Was Your Branded Perfume Not Lasting Long? 2 Bangladeshis Arrested in Kuwait Fake Perfume Scam

18/10/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 18: Kuwait’s Criminal Investigation Department has arrested two Bangladeshi nationals accused of refilling perfume bottles bearing international, regional and local brand names with imitation fragrances and selling them as genuine products.

The operation was carried out by the Criminal Security Sector as part of ongoing efforts to combat commercial fraud and protect intellectual property rights, the Ministry of Interior announced.

Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly filled original perfume bottles with blends of oils designed to imitate the scents of genuine fragrances before marketing them as authentic perfumes and samples for testing.

KD17 for perfumes worth KD150

The investigation led to an arranged purchase, following which the first suspect was arrested in Al-Manqaf while delivering three perfume bottles for KD17.

The original equivalents of the perfumes were valued at KD150, highlighting the substantial difference between the price charged and the value of the genuine products.

Authorities also discovered that a report had been filed against the first suspect for absconding from his employment.

During questioning, he reportedly admitted that he was working for a monthly salary and directed investigators to an apartment allegedly used for preparing and storing the counterfeit perfumes.

The second suspect, identified as the owner of the storage premises, was also arrested and corroborated the first suspect’s statements, according to the ministry.

4,000 perfume bottles seized

A search of the premises resulted in the seizure of approximately 4,000 perfume bottles bearing various brand names.

Investigators also confiscated four bottles of alcohol, quantities of essential oils, a tool used to seal perfume bottles and other equipment allegedly used in preparing and packaging the imitation fragrances.

The suspects and the seized items have been referred to the competent authorities for the necessary legal proceedings.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated its commitment to combating commercial fraud and protecting consumers and trademark owners against the sale of counterfeit products.