KUWAIT CITY, Mar 1: A luxury car rental dispute has escalated into a criminal investigation after a Kuwaiti woman allegedly failed to return a high-end vehicle, authorities confirmed.

An expatriate acting as the agent, manager, and authorized signatory of a Hawally-based car rental company filed a complaint alleging breach of trust. According to the complaint, the woman rented a black 2025-model luxury car valued at approximately 24,000 Kuwaiti dinars on February 2, 2026, under a two-week rental agreement. She was contractually obliged to return the vehicle by February 16, 2026, but continued to retain possession beyond the agreed period.

The complainant stated that repeated attempts to resolve the matter were unsuccessful. Despite police contact and assurances from the woman, who requested an extension and partial payment, the balance of 840 Kuwaiti dinars remained unpaid.

Following referral to the Criminal Investigation Department, the accused voluntarily appeared at the investigation headquarters, bringing the vehicle with her. When confronted, she denied wrongdoing, claiming financial difficulties and stating that she had made installment payments, the last on February 9, 2026.

Initial investigations revealed conflicting accounts from both sides. However, subsequent review confirmed that no payments had been made, reinforcing the suspicion of breach of trust. Authorities confirmed that legal procedures are ongoing, with the case file to be forwarded to the appropriate judicial authority.