Egypt freezes assets of ex-presidential candidate

• Shafiq ran in Egypt's first presidential elections after Mubarak's ouster
• A probe shows Shafiq's ownership of multiple housing properties

CAIRO (AP) — Egyptian authorities on Sunday said they are freezing the assets of presidential candidate and former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq

and his daughters as part of the investigation into his wealth.

The decision by the Illicit Gains Authority is the latest legal move against Shafiq, who held senior posts under deposed president Hosni Mubarak. He faces trial on corruption charges.

Shafiq ran in Egypt's first presidential elections after Mubarak's ouster, narrowly losing to Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Morsi.

Soon afterward he left the country with his family.

The authority said in a statement that investigations show Shafiq has real estate and financial assets including 12 villas, four chalets and two apartments.

Shafiq has repeatedly denied allegations and said the case against him is politically motivated.