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

German blogger Abdel Hamid appeared in court on fraud charges after collecting almost half a million euros under the pretext of helping Palestinians in need, reports the Daily Mail.

According to the investigation, from 2021 to October 2024, Hamid organized 37 online fundraising campaigns, claiming that all donations were directed to help residents of the Gaza Strip and other affected regions. However, only a small portion of the collected money actually went to charity - the man spent everything else on a luxurious lifestyle.

During the trial at the Düsseldorf Regional Court, Hamid pleaded guilty to fraud. The investigation established that he transferred €497 thousand to his account and used these funds to purchase expensive cars, designer clothes, a limousine, and elite Rolex watches.

At the same time, as it turned out, Hamid was receiving social benefits from the local employment center. A separate investigation is now being conducted into possible fraud with state payments.

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