The Administrative Control Authority (ACA) has arrested Menoufia Governor Hisham Abdel Basset on charges of corruption and graft. According to a statement by the ACA widely picked up by the local press, Abdel Basset had been arrested for allegedly selling state land to two businessmen who were also detained. The investigation had turned up evidence, including wiretaps, of Abdel Basset engaged in the sale with the two businessmen, sources close to the matter said. The arrest was reportedly made merely hours prior to the governor’s scheduled meeting with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, who was visiting Menoufia to inaugurate development projects there, AMAY reports. Chinese newswire Xinhua is saying the arrest comes as part of a recent and widespread anti-corruption campaign waged by the state ahead of the 2018 elections, which included the arrest of the Deputy Governor of Alexandria late last year.

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