An Egyptian investigative journalist, Mohammed Al-Alawi, who uncovered the alleged acquisition of a lavish villa by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s mother-in-law in El-Gouna, has been found dead.
Al-Alawi had reported on the $4.85 million purchase of the villa by Olga Kiyashko in August, supporting his claims with leaked documents. The exposé raised concerns of corruption and potential misappropriation of U.S. financial aid to Ukraine by the Zelenskyy family.
The journalist’s body was discovered in the Red Sea city of Hurghada, showing signs of fractures and bruises. The cause of death was determined to be a cerebral hemorrhage resulting from a severe brain injury. According to a source cited in the report, Al-Alawi had been assaulted by a group of individuals.
Denying the allegations, the Ukrainian embassy in Egypt labeled them as “Russian propaganda.” Orascom Development, the owner of the El Gouna resort where the villa is located, released a statement categorically dismissing the reports as “completely false” and asserting that there is no record indicating Zelenskyy or any family members owning property in El Gouna.
In a recent interview, Al-Alawi’s brother, Ahmed Al-Alawi, revealed that Mohammed had received death threats following the release of his investigation, which was his first significant assignment. The police are reportedly considering the possibility of an assassination carried out by Ukrainian operatives.
The incident adds a chilling dimension to the allegations surrounding the Zelenskyy family’s property, raising concerns about the safety of journalists who expose sensitive information implicating powerful figures. Investigations into Al-Alawi’s death are ongoing, and the circumstances surrounding the incident continue to attract international attention.