Politics
Bangladeshi and Pakistani Expats Caught in Kuwait’s ATM Scam
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:
- Dilsharif Shelemi (Pakistani national)
- Mirza Jaha Mirza (Pakistani national)
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.
KUWAIT CITY, Oct 13: Security personnel and detectives from Abdali conducted a successful raid on an illegal liquor factory located in a remote desert area of Abdali, arresting six Asian nationals who were operating the facility.
According to a security source, the operation followed a period of close surveillance and investigation after authorities received information about the illicit activity. During the raid, officers discovered a large number of barrels used in the distillation process, along with various tools, equipment, and materials used in the production of alcohol. Additionally, numerous bottles of locally made liquor, already filled and prepared for sale, were seized from the site.
Upon interrogation, the six arrested individuals reportedly confessed to manufacturing the liquor and distributing it for sale. Both the suspects and the confiscated materials have been referred to the relevant authorities for further legal action.
It is worth noting that in August, the Ministry of Interior arrested 67 individuals linked to the production and sale of locally made alcoholic beverages during raids on ten illegal factories — six dedicated to manufacturing and four operating within residential and industrial areas.
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