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Friday, October 17, 2025
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From Social Media Fame to Scandal: How DNA Unmasked a Fake Kuwaiti Citizen

publish time

16/10/2025

publish time

16/10/2025

From Social Media Fame to Scandal: How DNA Unmasked a Fake Kuwaiti Citizen

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 16: In a dramatic case that began with an anonymous tip and ended with irrefutable genetic evidence, Kuwaiti authorities have uncovered a major case of identity fraud involving a Gulf national who had falsely obtained Kuwaiti citizenship.

According to informed security sources, the case came to light after a report was filed through a hotline, alerting investigators to a well-known Gulf social media activist who, despite residing in another Gulf country, was allegedly claiming Kuwaiti nationality.

Following the tip, the Cybercrime and Nationality Investigation Departments began monitoring the suspect’s online activity. His YouTube channel and social media accounts were carefully examined, and his publicly available images were compared to those on official Kuwaiti identification records. Investigators quickly noticed discrepancies and moved to verify his claimed family ties.

The man’s supposed siblings, all living in Kuwait, were summoned for questioning. When shown the activist’s photos and details, they categorically denied any relationship with him, revealing that their late father had inexplicably added his name to the family’s citizenship file years ago.

With suspicion mounting, the case advanced to a more technical phase. DNA samples were collected from the alleged brothers, as well as from the activist’s son, who was arrested in Kuwait after appearing in several online videos alongside his father. Genetic testing was then conducted to determine whether the claimed family relationship was genuine.

The results were decisive. Laboratory analysis confirmed with scientific certainty that there was no biological relationship between the activist, his alleged brothers, or their extended family. The findings conclusively proved that the activist had obtained Kuwaiti nationality through forgery.

Further investigations revealed that the activist’s son was aware of the deception and had participated in the scheme, making him an accomplice. Authorities confirmed that he is currently detained in Kuwait, awaiting trial.

The suspect, meanwhile, remains at large in another Gulf country. However, investigators have already obtained his original Gulf identity documents, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Officials also disclosed that 28 individuals were listed under the forged family file, all of whom have now had their Kuwaiti citizenship revoked.

Authorities emphasized that the legitimate family members connected to the file were found to be uninvolved in the fraud and remain in good legal standing.

As the hunt continues, the Supreme Nationality Committee is closely following up on the case to ensure that the main perpetrator is extradited and brought to justice. The revelation adds another chapter to Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to uncover and dismantle long-standing cases of citizenship fraud that have persisted for decades — and serves as a stern reminder that no deceit goes undetected forever.