Blogger collected 500,000 euros for "Palestinians in need" and spent it on cars and Rolex watches

German blogger scammed trusting donors out of half a million euros while collecting money "for Palestine"

According to the investigation, from 2021 to October 2024, Abdel Hamid organized 37 online fundraising campaigns, convincingly claiming that all donations were being directed to help residents of the Gaza Strip and other affected regions. However, the investigation revealed a shocking truth - only a small portion of the collected money actually reached those in need, while the man spent the bulk of the sum on his own whims.

During a dramatic court hearing at the Düsseldorf Regional Court, Hamid admitted his guilt in fraud. Investigators discovered that he had misappropriated €497 thousand and used these funds to finance a luxurious lifestyle - purchasing expensive cars, designer clothes, a limousine, and an elite Rolex watch.

The situation is aggravated by the fact that, as revealed during the investigation, Hamid was simultaneously receiving social benefits from the local employment center. A separate investigation is currently being conducted regarding possible fraud with government payments.

"This case demonstrates how important it is to carefully verify charitable campaigns on the internet. People trust, and scammers abuse this," stated the head of the regional police.