KUWAIT CITY, Sep 17: In a major security and environmental protection operation, the Border Security and Coast Guard Sector, under the General Directorate of Coast Guard, has arrested 12 illegal Bangladeshi workers who were operating from a camp owned by a Ministry of Interior officer.

According to the Ministry of Interior, the camp had been turned into a hub for infiltrators engaged in illegal fishing activities inside Kuwait Bay. The workers were reportedly absent from their official sponsors and were using the facility to conduct unlicensed and damaging fishing operations.

Investigations revealed that the group had been targeting the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Nature Reserve, cutting through protective fishing nets to gain entry. They used off-road motorcycles (known locally as Buggies) to move within the reserve and access restricted fishing areas. The workers carried equipment to catch fish and shrimp, and after completing their operations, they resealed the damaged nets with iron wire in an attempt to conceal their actions.

Authorities stated that the catch was sorted at the camp before being loaded into a vehicle owned by a restaurant registered in the name of the officer who owned the camp. During the arrests, officials also seized 20 sets of fishing equipment.

The Ministry of Interior emphasized that no one is above the law, pledging strict enforcement against all violators. The 12 workers will be administratively deported, while legal proceedings will be initiated against their sponsors. In addition, companies found to be in violation will face permanent closure.

The officer who facilitated the illegal activities will be referred to the competent authorities for disciplinary and administrative action. He has also been ordered to dismantle the camp at his own expense.

The Ministry reaffirmed that these measures are intended to uphold the authority of the law and deter anyone from abusing their position, power, or influence to cover up violations. Safeguarding Kuwait’s security and natural resources, it stressed, is a national responsibility that cannot be compromised.