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Kuwait jails five over $179M illicit money transfer scheme targeting expats

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Kuwait jails five over $179M illicit money transfer scheme targeting expats

Kuwait imprisons five for role in $179 million money laundering operation targeting expats.

KUWAIT CITY, April 28: A Kuwaiti criminal court has sentenced two Iraqi nationals and three Egyptians to three years in prison each for their involvement in an illicit financial transfer scheme that specifically targeted the Egyptian expatriate community in the country.

The court acquitted the remaining defendants accused in the case, which involved laundering approximately 55 million Kuwaiti dinars (around $179 million), and ordered the confiscation of all seized funds.

According to Al-Qabas newspaper, the case was initially uncovered when Kuwaiti authorities arrested an Egyptian man found carrying 50,000 Kuwaiti dinars (about $163,000) in cash. The arrest led to an investigation that exposed a wider network of individuals — both Iraqis and Egyptians — engaged in illegal money transfer operations.

The Kuwaiti Public Prosecution’s investigation revealed that the network targeted Egypt’s large expatriate community in Kuwait, estimated at around 600,000 people. The group collected funds in cash and funneled the money to Egypt and other countries using unofficial channels, bypassing licensed financial institutions and money exchange services.

Authorities also discovered that the network was running a parallel financial system based on the informal “hawala” method, facilitating unregistered transfers and moving substantial sums of money outside the oversight of the Central Bank of Kuwait.

The case highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on unregulated financial activities and reinforce control over monetary transactions.

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AK-47 Bullets Smuggler Turns Out to Be a Doctor

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KUWAIT CITY, July 6: In a serious security incident at Kuwait International Airport’s Terminal 4, an expatriate and his wife were detained after airport security personnel discovered a cache of live ammunition concealed in their luggage. The couple, both Pakistani nationals, were preparing to board a flight to Pakistan when the bullets were found during a routine baggage inspection, reported on 2nd July by Arab Times.

According to security sources, the X-ray scanner flagged suspicious items inside one of the bags. A manual inspection revealed 64 live rounds of Kalashnikov ammunition, initially reported as 70 bullets, hidden in the luggage. The discovery prompted immediate intervention by airport officials, and the couple’s flight was subsequently canceled.

During interrogation, the husband, who happens to be a doctor, admitted to placing the ammunition in his wife’s suitcase without her knowledge. He pleaded with authorities to allow his wife to travel and insisted on taking full responsibility. However, his request was denied, and both individuals were referred to the Weapons Investigation Department for further legal action.

A legal case has been registered as authorities investigate the suspect’s intent and whether the ammunition was linked to any wider criminal activity. The possession and attempted smuggling of military-grade ammunition is considered a grave offense under Kuwaiti law and poses a significant threat to aviation security.

Sources indicated that the suspect may have attempted to exploit the airport’s busy travel period to move the ammunition undetected. However, the alertness and diligence of the airport security team thwarted the smuggling attempt.

“Despite the congestion and rush of travelers, our team remained fully committed to inspection procedures,” a security official stated. “It’s this level of vigilance that prevented a potentially dangerous situation.”

The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by airport authorities in combating the illegal transport of weapons and contraband. Investigations are continuing to determine whether any accomplices were involved or if there are broader implications behind the attempted smuggling. The suspect remains in custody as legal proceedings move forward.

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Expat Victim of Online Scam; Entire Bank Balance Wiped Out

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Expat Victim of Online Scam; Entire Bank Balance Wiped Out

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KUWAIT CITY, July 6: An expatriate in Jahra area lost his entire bank balance after unknowingly accessing a fraudulent payment link. Although he did not share his one-time password (OTP), his account was emptied within minutes.

According to a security source, 54 yr old victim reported that he came across a product advertised at an unusually high price while browsing a social media platform. Eager to make the purchase, he clicked on a payment link and attempted to complete the transaction, but received a message stating that it had failed. Moments later, he was shocked to discover that KD 226.500 had been withdrawn from his bank account in two separate transactions.

The incident has been registered as a felony under Case No. 149/2025, and investigations are underway.

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Four Minors Found Concealed Under SUV at Kuwait-Saudi Border

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KUWAIT CITY, July 6: The Ministry of Interior has detained a security officer stationed at the Salmi border crossing, along with members of a Kuwaiti family, to investigate the smuggling of four minors who were caught crossing the border illegally. The minors were arrested by Saudi authorities after being found concealed inside a vehicle.

According to a security source, the incident took place at the Raqi border crossing in Saudi Arabia, where Saudi security officers apprehended four minors hidden inside a vehicle carrying a Kuwaiti family. The family had arrived at the border without passports and attempted to cross illegally.

The source explained that during questioning, the minors admitted they had originally crossed from Kuwait through the Salmi border crossing. They intended to re-enter Saudi Arabia via the Raqi crossing in the same manner, but their attempt was unsuccessful.

Following the arrests, the Saudi authorities held the suspects temporarily until Kuwaiti security forces were informed. The minors and the family were handed over to Kuwaiti officials last Thursday evening, who immediately launched a thorough investigation to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the illegal crossing.

As part of the ongoing inquiry, a soldier working at the Salmi border post was taken into custody for questioning. Authorities are examining whether the incident resulted from negligence in the soldier’s duties or if he was involved in illicit compensation. The investigation aims to clarify the security officer’s possible role and any wider complicity in the smuggling operation.

Further details from the Al-Raqi border report revealed that port personnel became suspicious after hearing noises emanating from the vehicle. Upon inspection, everyone inside the four-wheel-drive was asked to exit, leading to the discovery that the four minors had been concealed beneath the vehicle’s floorboard in an attempt to evade detection by Kuwaiti and Saudi border officers.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine all facts related to this serious breach of border security.

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