CAIRO: The Cairo Court of Appeals headed by Judge Abdel Aziz Omar will open the first session of the trial against the former Head of the Office of the Presidency Republic Zakareya Azmi and his brother-in-law on October 24. Chief of the Egyptian Illicit Gains Authority Assem al-Gohary found that Azmi was implicated in a plan of ill-gotten gains by using the power of the his office, his membership in the People's Assembly and as a leader in the now-dissolved National Democratic Party (NDP). Gamal Abdel Monem, Azmi's brother-in-law, hid some of his properties as well. Azmi was transferred to the Cairo Criminal Court after being found guilty of illegally procuring homes, apartments, villas and land in different cities in Egypt. He also hid his property and an apartment in Alexandria with the help of his brother-in-law. Montaser Saleh, the head of the Investigation Authority, handled the investigation of Azmi and proved that he committed several crimes, including collaborating with the former governor of Ismalia, Abdel Monem Omara. The two parties illegally allocated half an acre of land using their power as authorities. Azmi also allegedly illegally seized housing units in Heliopolis. The Illicit Gains Authority transferred Azmi to the Attorney General's office also to be investigated for the crime of planning with the directors of the Board of National Press Organizations in Egypt. Azmi is also accused of making agreements with al-Akhbar, al-Ahram and al-Gomhorreya to delay retirements – agreements for which he received presents and cash.
