A mother in Newfoundland, seeking her daughter taken to Egypt by the father, now has legal custody of the child, but her location remains elusive. Bouchra Marbouhi was awarded custody in December after a court application in Alexandria. Despite a court order for immediate return, the father, Ahmed ElGammal, evaded capture when authorities and Marbouhi’s lawyer attempted to retrieve the child this month.
A warrant for ElGammal’s arrest was issued in October by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary for violating a custody order. Marbouhi last saw her daughter in September 2025. Shady Abdellatif, an Egypt-based attorney specializing in international abduction, is now handling Marbouhi’s case.
Abdellatif suspects ElGammal was forewarned, allowing him and the daughter to flee before authorities arrived. If unsuccessful in retrieving the child after three attempts, Abdellatif plans to pursue criminal charges against ElGammal and his mother. Efforts to locate the father and daughter may benefit from a red notice through Interpol, though this has not been confirmed yet.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is collaborating with relevant agencies to ensure the child’s safety. Abdellatif is optimistic about securing the child once her location is determined. Meanwhile, ElGammal has applied for a travel ban against Marbouhi, who opposes the restriction.
Support from donors and local advocates has aided Marbouhi’s cause, with over $10,000 raised. McGrath, an advocate for Marbouhi, stresses the importance of community support in such challenging situations. Despite Egypt not being a Hague Convention country, efforts continue to reunite Marbouhi with her daughter, with gratitude expressed for the support received.