KUWAIT CITY, Dec 2: In a major security breakthrough underscoring Kuwait’s continued vigilance against organized crime, the Anti-Forgery and Counterfeiting Department of the Criminal Security Sector has dismantled a dangerous Arab nationals network involved in smuggling and distributing millions of counterfeit US dollars. According to security officials, the counterfeit currency—produced in an Arab country—was intended to infiltrate the local market and inflict serious damage on the national economy.

A security source stated that the investigation began after authorities received accurate intelligence indicating that an Arab expatriate was offering USD 100,000 in fake banknotes for just KD 16,000—an illicit discount of nearly 50%. Acting swiftly, the department carried out a sting operation using a confidential informant, leading to the arrest of the primary suspect, identified as “A.A.Z.,” born in 1993. He was apprehended in possession of the counterfeit cash, and a subsequent search of his residence uncovered additional forged US currency worth several hundred thousand dollars.

During interrogation, the suspect identified two accomplices of the same nationality residing in the Hawally and Farwaniya areas, as well as a partner operating from abroad in the country where the counterfeit notes were manufactured. Based on this information, Criminal Investigation teams raided the suspects’ homes, arresting both individuals and seizing large quantities of counterfeit dollars prepared for circulation. The second suspect was identified as “S.H.M,” born in 1984, while the third, “H.Kh.A.,” born in 1988, was found to violate residency laws.

The suspects confessed that the forged currency was produced abroad and smuggled into Kuwait using trucks transporting food supplies—primarily fruits and vegetables—to evade customs detection. They admitted that the counterfeit money was intended to be distributed through illegal exchange networks across the country.

Authorities confirmed that the mastermind behind the operation remains outside Kuwait, residing in an Arab country. The Kuwaiti Interpol office has formally requested international counterparts to add his name to global wanted lists to facilitate his arrest and extradition.