Latest news with #GeneralDepartmentofCriminalInvestigations
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
What's Really Happening in Khaitan? Kuwait Raids Private Homes
KUWAIT CITY, July 24: In a bold new operation targeting illegal housing practices, Kuwaiti authorities have launched a sweeping inspection campaign in Khaitan, cracking down on private residences that have been unlawfully altered, commercialized, or structurally compromised—posing risks to both public safety and the city's urban integrity. The large-scale operation, carried out under the direct supervision of His Excellency the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, unfolded on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Also present during the campaign were Engineer Manal Al-Asfour, Acting Director General of Kuwait Municipality, and Major General Hamed Al-Dawas, Assistant Undersecretary for Criminal Security Affairs, alongside senior officials from several cooperating agencies. Teams from the General Department of Criminal Investigations, working in coordination with the Kuwait Municipality, the Public Fire Department, the Environment Public Authority, and the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, conducted a coordinated sweep through the Khaitan district—an area that has drawn increasing concern for unauthorized housing practices. Authorities say the campaign specifically targeted residences that had been illegally converted into commercial establishments, subdivided into unsafe multiple units, or built in ways that violate Kuwait's strict private housing regulations. Some properties were found to be in danger of structural collapse, while others were operating without permits, compromising fire safety and environmental standards. The inspections led to the identification of numerous violations, prompting immediate legal action by the relevant authorities. Properties found to be in breach of regulations are now subject to corrective measures, including demolition of illegal additions, fines, and legal proceedings against violators. Officials stressed that these violations not only disrupt the character of residential neighborhoods, but also jeopardize public health and safety—especially in areas where illegal modifications interfere with building integrity or emergency response access. The Ministry of Interior has vowed to continue these surprise inspections in various residential zones across the country as part of a broader initiative to enforce housing laws, restore urban order, and protect residents from the dangers posed by rogue property modifications. A Ministry spokesperson reiterated: 'We are committed to preserving the safety, structure, and identity of Kuwait's residential areas. These violations will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable under the law.'
Arab Times
15-07-2025
- Arab Times
Busted! Cigarettes Found Hidden Inside Flour Bags in Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, July 15: Kuwait's General Administration of Customs foiled an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of cigarettes concealed innovatively inside specially made flour bags at the Al-Salmi border crossing. The incident unfolded when a Saudi national driving a vehicle was undergoing departure procedures. A customs officer grew suspicious of several bags that appeared to contain flour. Upon closer inspection, officials discovered that the bags had been expertly modified to conceal 22 packs of cigarettes in tightly sealed, hard-to-detect compartments. Authorities seized the contraband and filed an official report. The case has been referred to the General Department of Criminal Investigations for further inquiry and to pursue those responsible for preparing the concealed shipment. Customs authorities reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to combating all forms of smuggling, enhancing detection techniques, and taking firm action against anyone attempting to bring in prohibited items.
Arab Times
08-04-2025
- Arab Times
6 Egyptian Expats Arrested for Stealing and Dismantling Vehicles
KUWAIT CITY, April 8: As part of the ongoing efforts by the Criminal Security Sector to combat crime and apprehend offenders, the General Department of Criminal Investigations—represented by the Ahmadi Governorate Investigations Department—has successfully arrested a gang of six Egyptian nationals involved in professional vehicle theft. The gang was found to be stealing vehicles from open yards across various areas and transporting them to a garage located in the Salmi Scrapyard. There, the stolen vehicles were dismantled and sold as spare parts. To eliminate evidence of their crimes, the remaining vehicle bodies were compressed and destroyed. The arrest followed the receipt of accurate intelligence regarding suspicious activities by a gang specializing in vehicle theft. Detectives launched a thorough investigation, which led to the identification and surveillance of the suspects. They were subsequently arrested, and multiple stolen vehicles along with various spare parts were discovered in their possession. Preliminary investigations revealed that the gang operated primarily during late-night hours, towing vehicles from dirt yards and moving them to the Salmi scrapyard for dismantling. The suspects, along with the seized items, have been referred to the competent authorities for the necessary legal procedures. The Ministry of Interior reiterates its commitment to pursuing all those who violate the law and to take decisive action against anyone who threatens the safety and security of the nation, its citizens, and its residents. The Ministry also urges the public to cooperate with security forces and report any suspicious behavior or activities through official channels to help safeguard society.
The National
04-04-2025
- The National
Dubai Police arrest 222 beggars during Ramadan and Eid
Dubai Police arrested more than 220 people for begging, during Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr, as part of an annual campaign to curb the practice. Those arrested comprised men and women of various nationalities, authorities said on Friday afternoon. Begging is illegal in the UAE and punishable by up to three months in jail and fines of up to Dh5,000. The arrests were carried out under an annual plan by police in the emirate to step up patrols in areas where beggars were expected, according to Col Ahmed Al Adidi, acting director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigations. The campaign has contributed to reducing the number of beggars due to the strict and decisive measures taken, he added. The push to clamp down on begging focused on tactics used by beggars, such as gathering at places where people go to worship, making deceitful requests for online donations and falsely seeking help towards building mosques in other countries, according to the statement. Captain Abdullah Khamis advised people to only make donations through official channels. Last week, The National reported that police in Abu Dhabi arrested 237 people for begging during the month of Ramadan.
Arab Times
31-03-2025
- Arab Times
9-Year-Old Syrian Child Abducted and Sexually Assaulted by Kuwaiti Man
KUWAIT CITY, March 31: The Criminal Security Sector, represented by the General Department of Criminal Investigations – Capital Governorate Investigations Department, successfully solved a child kidnapping and assault case within a record time of less than 24 hours. The crime took place in Maidan Hawally on the morning of Eid. The case unfolded when security authorities received a report about a child found on a street in the Capital Governorate, suffering from physical injuries as a result of sexual assault. The Capital Governorate Investigations Department immediately launched an intensive investigation and swiftly identified and arrested the perpetrator. Officials confirmed that the child is in stable condition and has been referred to the Forensic Medicine Department for further examination. During interrogation, the suspect fully confessed to the crime. Further investigations revealed that he has a history of similar offenses and a criminal record related to drug-related crimes. The Ministry of Interior affirmed that the relevant authorities are continuing legal proceedings against the accused and reiterated its commitment to protecting society by taking firm action against crimes that threaten the safety and security of citizens and residents.
