Kuwait Police Arrest Two Syrians, Close 11 Armed Robbery Cases in 72 Hours

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 15: Kuwait’s Criminal Security Sector has arrested two Syrian nationals in connection with 11 cases of armed robbery and impersonation of security officers committed within 72 hours.

The General Department of Criminal Investigation, represented by the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh Investigation Office, apprehended the suspects shortly after they allegedly committed their latest robbery. A third suspect, also a Syrian national, remains at large, and efforts are underway to arrest him.

A security source said the suspects violently resisted arrest, injuring one detective and damaging a patrol vehicle.

Police found cash suspected to be proceeds from the robberies, along with weapons allegedly used in the crimes. One suspect was carrying a sword, while the other had two knives. Detectives also seized forged identification cards that the suspects allegedly used to impersonate security officers.

The investigation followed several complaints filed by expatriate workers over the past three days. The victims reported being targeted shortly after completing their shifts at central markets, usually after midnight, while walking towards buses that would take them home.

According to the complaints, the suspects would hide among parked vehicles before approaching workers and claiming to be detectives. They would demand to inspect the victims’ identification documents and belongings before threatening them with knives, assaulting them and stealing their cash and mobile phones.

Following the reports, detective teams intensified surveillance around the markets where the robberies had occurred.

At around 2:30 am, police received another report that workers had been robbed at a commercial market. A security force was immediately dispatched and arrested one suspect who was hiding beneath a vehicle. The second suspect attempted to escape but was caught after a brief chase.

One of the victims managed to record the incident on his mobile phone. The footage showed the perpetrators brandishing knives to intimidate the workers and take their belongings.

During questioning, the two suspects reportedly confessed to targeting market workers after their shifts. They admitted hiding among parked vehicles, watching potential victims and then attacking them.

They also provided information leading investigators to their third accomplice, who remains at large, and to some of the stolen property, which was recovered.

The security source stressed that the Ministry of Interior would not tolerate attempts to undermine the safety of citizens and residents or terrorize the public.

The source added that security personnel remain vigilant against criminal activities, particularly impersonation of security officers, and that security campaigns and field operations will continue to track down offenders and bring them to justice.