KUWAIT CITY, Jan 13: Just weeks after the Criminal Security Sector, through the Counterfeiting and Forgery Crimes Department, arrested several expatriates for defrauding victims by selling counterfeit US dollar banknotes at half their face value, security authorities have foiled another major attempt to circulate fake currency in the country.

According to security sources, the Counterfeiting and Forgery Investigation Department uncovered a scheme to distribute approximately $130,000 in counterfeit US dollars, leading to the arrest of six Syrian nationals in the Farwaniya and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh areas.

The case came to light after a Kuwaiti citizen filed a complaint stating that he had fallen victim to fraud. He told investigators that he had purchased around $50,000 in US currency for just 7,000 Kuwaiti dinars — a price nearly 55 per cent below the official exchange value — after being tempted by the prospect of quick profit. The citizen said he later discovered the deception when he attempted to exchange the money at a bank, where officials informed him that the notes were counterfeit and unfit for circulation, despite their outward appearance suggesting otherwise.

Following the report, detectives formed a specialised investigation team to verify the complaint and track down those responsible. Their inquiries led to the arrest of the main suspect, a Syrian expatriate, who admitted during questioning that he had sold the counterfeit currency to the complainant. He also identified another Syrian national as his accomplice in the operation.

During further interrogations, the two suspects confessed that four additional expatriates were involved in the scheme. Investigators learned that the counterfeit dollars had been brought into the country in several batches from Jordan. Subsequent investigations revealed that the fake currency had originally been smuggled from Iraq into Jordan before being transported onward.

Security sources said the counterfeit banknotes were brought into the country by truck drivers who were paid a commission for smuggling the money. Their role was limited to transporting the currency and handing it over to another Syrian national upon entry, without being involved in its distribution.

Searches conducted at the residences of the main suspects in Farwaniya and Jleeb uncovered approximately $130,000 in counterfeit US currency, along with other items connected to the case. All six suspects were taken into custody, and the seized items were documented as evidence.

The Ministry of Interior reaffirmed its firm commitment to combating counterfeiting and forgery crimes, stressing that it will deal decisively with any attempts to undermine economic security or exploit citizens and residents. The ministry also urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid suspicious offers promising unusually high profits, and report any similar cases or doubts to the authorities immediately.

The suspects, along with the confiscated items, have been referred to the competent authorities for further legal proceedings.