“Interior Ministry” busts human trafficking network facilitating residency for money

The Ministry of Interior announced on Sunday, 16th February, that the General Directorate of Residency Investigations, through its Department of Research and Investigation, successfully apprehended four individuals involved in a human trafficking case.

Among those arrested were a Kuwaiti citizen, a Chinese national, and two Egyptian nationals, all charged with facilitating the illegal procurement of residence permits in exchange for money.

The Ministry of Interior, under the directives of the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, stated in a press release that this action is part of its ongoing security efforts to combat human trafficking.

The ministry explained that investigations revealed the individuals’ involvement in recruiting labor under the sponsorship of citizens in exchange for financial amounts ranging from 500 to 1200 Kuwaiti dinars per transaction.

Moreover, the ministry stated that the search and investigation operations led to the discovery of 20 companies where more than 232 workers were registered. The Residency Investigations team successfully apprehended the accused, and all legal procedures are being taken, with the individuals being referred to the Prosecution.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed its continued firm stance against human trafficking, particularly following the implementation of the new residence law. This law stipulates a penalty of imprisonment ranging from three to five years, along with a fine between 5,000 and 10,000 dinars.

The fine increases for multiple offenders, and the punishment is further aggravated if the perpetrator is a public employee who exploited their position to commit the crime.

Source: Al Anba