A Niqab, a Gun and a Getaway Car: How the Jleeb Gold Heist Unfolded

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KUWAIT CITY, July 11: A meticulously planned armed robbery has left police racing to track down two suspects who stormed a jewelry store in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, tied up an employee at gunpoint and escaped with a large cache of gold jewelry in a daring early-morning heist.

Security sources said detectives from the Criminal Security Sector are pursuing strong leads and believe the suspects could be arrested soon. Descriptions of the stolen gold—including chains, bracelets, heart-shaped pendants and other ornaments—have been circulated to jewelry stores across all six governorates, while descriptions of the suspects have been sent to border crossings to prevent any attempt to flee the country.

Investigators also identified the getaway vehicle as a small Japanese car that had been reported stolen by an Asian expatriate. The vehicle was allegedly fitted with stolen license plates in what authorities believe was part of a carefully orchestrated escape plan.

According to investigators, the robbers struck at around 8:00 a.m., exploiting the quiet hours before the gold market became busy. The crime remained undiscovered until about 11:00 a.m., when another employee arrived at the shop and found his colleague handcuffed and unable to call for help.

The victim told investigators that moments after opening the store, a person dressed in a niqab entered with another masked accomplice.

"As soon as they came inside, the person wearing the niqab pulled out a handgun and ordered me to remain silent," the employee reportedly told investigators. "The accomplice then handcuffed me while they emptied the store of gold jewelry before fleeing."

Security personnel and forensic experts rushed to the scene to collect fingerprints and other evidence, while detectives reviewed surveillance footage. Initial findings indicate the weapon used appeared to be a 9mm pistol.

Investigators believe the robbery was meticulously planned, with the suspects using both a stolen vehicle and stolen license plates in an apparent attempt to evade detection. Authorities are continuing to inventory the stolen jewelry to determine the total value of the loss.

A security source said detectives have several investigative leads and remain confident the suspects will be identified and brought to justice.

by John C Fernandes
Arab Times - Online Media Manager