KUWAIT CITY, Aug 3: The Anti-Financial Crimes Unit in the Criminal Investigation General Department under the Criminal Security Sector in the Interior Ministry has arrested an Asian gang stealing money from citizens and expatriates using a new and unique criminal tactic -- exploiting the ‘cardless withdrawal’ feature of ATMs. 

In a press statement on Monday, the Public Relations and Security Media Department at the ministry revealed that intensive search and investigation efforts led to the identification of the main suspect in less than 24 hours. 

The suspect, identified as MD Raju MD Pentomia, a Bangladeshi national working for by Al-Jazeera International General Trading Group.  He was identified after matching photos of the person who was making withdrawals with the biometric fingerprint database of the Criminal Evidence General Department.  This enabled detectives to locate and arrest him in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. He was found in possession of about KD5,000 in cash, SIM cards, bank cards, and receipts from money exchange offices through which he intended to transfer funds abroad.

The ministry added that, upon completion of investigations, the existence of a cross-border gang targeting the State of Kuwait was revealed. 

It was found that the arrested suspect was cooperating with two Pakistanis, Dilsharif Shelemi and Mirza Jaha Mirza,  working in a Mirza General Trading Company, a ready-made garments company.

The company was used as a front for an ‘alternative remittance’ business, concealing the proceeds of the crime outside official financial channels. Their previous company, which was engaged in currency exchange and through which the unlicensed alternative remittance business was conducted, was shut down by the competent authorities. The ministry confirmed that the suspects were arrested in Khaitan and the tools used in the transfer were confiscated.

Legal action is being taken against the suspects identified as Dilsharif Shelemi and Mirza Jaha Mirza

The international gang's location in Pakistan has been identified, and coordination is underway with the relevant authorities in this regard.

The ministry affirmed its continuous efforts to utilize modern technologies, such as biometric fingerprinting, to uncover crimes and combat any criminal activity that threatens the security and safety of society.