Kuwait Police Arrest 2 Asian Expats for Manufacturing Fake Official Stamps in Hawally

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 3: The General Department of Criminal Investigation has arrested two Asian expatriates accused of setting up a makeshift operation in Hawally to manufacture counterfeit official stamps, seizing large quantities of fake stamps along with printing equipment and materials used in the illegal activity.

According to a security source, the arrests followed investigations into reports that counterfeit stamps were being circulated inside government health facilities. Detectives discovered that some sanitation workers were allegedly distributing the fake stamps to patients who required paperwork to be processed at hospitals but faced difficulties moving around due to health conditions or mobility issues.

The case came to light after detectives arrested a worker who allegedly exploited a patient using a wheelchair by placing a counterfeit stamp on official documents. During questioning, the worker reportedly admitted obtaining the fake stamps from two expatriates who supplied them at significantly reduced prices.

The source said the counterfeit stamps, which carried values of KD 10 and KD 5, were being sold to the worker for KD 5 and KD 2, respectively, allowing those involved to make illegal profits.

Following the information provided during the investigation, detectives traced the suppliers to a room in Hawally that had been converted into a workshop for producing fake stamps. A raid on the location led to the arrest of the two Asian expatriates and the seizure of finished counterfeit stamps ready for distribution, as well as printing tools and other manufacturing equipment.

During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to producing the counterfeit stamps using advanced methods and selling them to several sanitation workers as an additional source of income.

Authorities are continuing investigations to identify all individuals involved in manufacturing, distributing and using the fake stamps. The two main suspects are expected to be referred to the Public Prosecution, while sanitation workers involved in distributing the counterfeit items may face legal action, including possible deportation.

The Criminal Investigation Department stressed that it remains committed to combating fraud and protecting public funds, warning that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in forging official documents or exploiting government services for personal gain.

by John C Fernandes
Arab Times - Online Media Manager