KUWAIT CITY, Aug 3: In a major breakthrough, the Criminal Security Sector, represented by the General Department of Criminal Investigation’s Anti-Financial Crimes Department, has dismantled an Asian criminal network that targeted both Kuwaitis and expats using a novel method of financial fraud exploiting the cardless withdrawal feature of local ATMs.

Acting swiftly, investigators were able to identify and apprehend the primary suspect in under 24 hours. The accused, identified as MD Raju MD Pentomia, a Bangladeshi national sponsored by Al-Jazeera International General Trading Group, was tracked down after authorities matched CCTV images of the ATM withdrawals with the national biometric fingerprint database.

He was arrested in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, and in his possession were approximately KWD 5,000, several SIM cards, bank cards, and remittance receipts from various money exchange offices, allegedly intended for transferring illicit funds abroad.

Further investigation revealed that the suspect was part of a larger cross-border criminal syndicate targeting the State of Kuwait. He was reportedly working in coordination with two Pakistani nationals affiliated with Mirza General Trading Company, a business front allegedly used to facilitate illegal “alternative remittance” operations — an unlicensed form of money transfer that circumvents formal banking channels.

This scheme was reportedly revived after their previous company, also engaged in unauthorized currency exchange, was shut down by authorities.

Both Pakistani suspects were arrested in Khaitan, and tools used in the illicit fund transfers were seized. They were identified as:

Authorities have also traced the international arm of the syndicate operating from Pakistan and are currently coordinating with overseas agencies to dismantle the broader network.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated its commitment to leveraging advanced technologies — including biometric verification — to detect, prevent, and prosecute financial crimes, reaffirming its dedication to safeguarding national security and the financial integrity of Kuwaiti society.

Firefighters contain blaze at an agricultural products store in Shuwaikh Industrial Area.

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 4: Firefighting teams from the Shuwaikh Industrial Area and Al-Shaheed stations successfully brought a fire under control at a store specializing in agricultural products within a shopping complex in the Shuwaikh Industrial Area.

Upon receiving the emergency call, the teams quickly responded and began combating the blaze. Thanks to their swift action and coordination, the fire was contained without any reported injuries. Authorities confirmed that the incident caused no harm to the public or store personnel.

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 4: A minor fire that broke out early Monday morning in an electrical room at a building affiliated with Jahra Hospital was swiftly brought under control, according to the Ministry of Health. Officials confirmed that no injuries or casualties were reported.

In an official statement, the ministry said the hospital’s safety systems responded immediately, with automatic fire sprinklers activating and the emergency response plan promptly implemented. Several patients in nearby areas were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Minister of Information and Acting Minister of Health, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, along with the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, visited the site to oversee the situation firsthand.

The Ministry praised the swift and professional response of the General Fire Force, the Ministry of Interior, healthcare staff, and all supporting agencies, highlighting their coordination under established safety protocols.

The fire, which originated from electrical cables in the women’s observation room, resulted in smoke spreading through the air conditioning vents of the main building of the new Jahra Hospital. Firefighters from the Jahra and Industrial Fire Centers successfully extinguished the blaze.

The Ministry assured the public that any updates concerning service availability or further developments will be announced through official channels and extended its best wishes for everyone’s health and safety.