A soccer coach from Northern Virginia was taken into custody this week after investigators uncovered a scheme that siphoned nearly $60,000 from parents who had been promised a luxury summer camp in Italy.
A Deceptive Summer Camp Scam
Ahmed Mohamed, 38, allegedly created a convincing online presence for the nonexistent program, using glossy brochures and social media posts to persuade families to enroll their children and deposit funds.
The deception unfolded through Mohamed’s role with the Alexandria Soccer Association, where he leveraged his position to reach a network of families already invested in the sport. Association officials confirmed that they severed ties with Mohamed as soon as the allegations surfaced and are cooperating fully with law enforcement.
According to court filings, 13 victims each lost between $2,000 and $12,000, amounts that represented a significant portion of many households’ discretionary savings. The total financial impact approaches $60,000, a figure that prosecutors say reflects a systematic pattern of fraud.
Federal charges include 13 counts of embezzlement and 13 counts of computer fraud, each tied to the illicit transfer of money and the use of online platforms to advertise the bogus camp. Mohamed was released on his own recognizance pending further proceedings.
Fairfax County Police Department is urging anyone with additional information — whether about the alleged camp, the payment process, or any suspicious communications — to come forward. Detectives have set up a dedicated tip line for the case.