Egypt Police Arrest Robbers Impersonating Talabat Delivery Couriers in Cairo
Egyptian police arrested two suspects who disguised themselves as Talabat delivery couriers to attempt a home invasion in Cairo. The incident has raised safety concerns regarding delivery services across the Middle East.
The widespread use of delivery applications has transformed daily life across the Arab world. One of the most prominent delivery platforms in the Middle East is Talabat (meaning "orders" in Arabic). However, a recent security incident in Egypt, though unrelated to the company's internal operations, has thrust the platform into the spotlight and highlighted the growing dangers of delivery-related impersonation.
Impersonation and Attempted Robbery in Cairo
On August 29, the Egyptian Ministry of Interior announced on social media that it had identified and arrested two suspects who disguised themselves as food delivery couriers to attempt a home invasion in Cairo. The investigation was launched after a video of the incident circulated widely on social networks.
The police located the victim, a foreign resident living in the Al-Basatin neighborhood of Cairo. She stated that on August 25, two men claiming to be delivery couriers attempted to force their way into her apartment. She managed to slam the door on one of the suspects' feet and call for help, prompting them to flee.
The security footage released by the ministry clearly showed the suspects carrying a distinctive orange Talabat delivery bag. Upon arrest, authorities seized sharp weapons in their possession. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the attempted robbery, admitting they used the delivery disguise to gain entry into the apartment. Legal proceedings have been initiated against both individuals.
Safety Recommendations for Deliveries
Following the incident, Egyptian media outlets published safety guidelines to help residents prevent similar encounters:
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Verify the visitor's identity through a peephole or security camera before opening the door.
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Ask the courier for their name, the company they represent, and specific details of the order.
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Do not open the door if you feel uncomfortable or are not expecting a delivery.
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Request official identification from the courier.
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In suspicious cases, contact the delivery company directly to confirm the courier's dispatch.
Talabat and the Middle Eastern Delivery Market
Talabat is a leading delivery platform in the Middle East and North Africa, operating in the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Oman, Jordan, and Iraq. Founded in Kuwait in 2004, the startup was acquired in 2015 by the German global delivery giant Delivery Hero, serving as its primary arm in the region. In 2025, Talabat expanded its portfolio by acquiring Dubai-based delivery firm InstaShop.
Other major players in the regional delivery market include Careem, a Dubai-based multi-service app founded in 2012 and acquired by Uber in 2019 for $3.1 billion, as well as Saudi Arabian platforms Jahez and Hungerstation (founded in 2012).
