Kuwait police bust diesel theft network; 41 arrested and 38 vehicles seized
The General Department of Criminal Investigation has dismantled a network accused of stealing diesel fuel from vehicles belonging to government agencies and private companies and reselling it to projects across Kuwait, the Ministry of Interior said.
The operation, carried out by the Capital Governorate Investigation Department, led to the arrest of 41 suspects and the seizure of 38 vehicles belonging to government agencies and private companies. According to the Ministry, investigations found that several drivers had been secretly siphoning diesel from vehicles assigned to them as part of their jobs, without the knowledge of their employers.
The stolen fuel was then transported to a site in Amghara, where it was stored in designated tankers and resold. Investigators also identified a Kuwaiti who allegedly provided the tankers used to siphon and collect the diesel for 1,600 dinars a month under a lease agreement. The Ministry said he was aware that the tankers were being used for the illegal activity.
After completing investigations, search procedures and surveillance of the site, security personnel arrested the main suspects while they were allegedly siphoning diesel from a vehicle. Other suspects were caught red-handed while purchasing the stolen fuel. The operation also resulted in the seizure of 38 vehicles belonging to government agencies and private companies.
