Visa forgery gang busted in Kuwait: Sophisticated scam targeted European embassies
In a major breakthrough in combating visa fraud, the Ministry of Interior has announced the arrest of a criminal network accused of forging official documents to illegally obtain travel visas for European countries.
The coordinated crackdown was carried out by the General Department of Residency Investigations, part of the Nationality and Residency Affairs Sector, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to Al-Rai.
The gang had developed a complex and well-organized scheme involving the fabrication of key documents — ranging from job titles and employer details to work permits, salary slips, and bank statements. These forged papers were meticulously crafted to meet the strict criteria imposed by European embassies, creating fake identities for clients looking to bypass legal immigration routes.
At the heart of the operation was an Egyptian national who ran a social media account from outside Kuwait. This account served as the hub for marketing the fraudulent services, attracting individuals desperate to migrate illegally by offering to provide forged documentation in exchange for hefty payments.
Residency Affairs investigators were able to track down and arrest several members of the gang operating within Kuwait. During the raid, authorities confiscated numerous electronic devices and stacks of forged documents used in the scam. The suspects and the seized evidence were promptly referred to the appropriate legal authorities to begin judicial proceedings.
The international dimension of the case prompted swift coordination between Kuwaiti officials and their counterparts in the Arab Republic of Egypt. That cooperation paid off, leading to the arrest of additional suspects believed to be part of the wider network operating from abroad. Legal measures are currently underway in both countries.
In its official statement, the Ministry of Interior reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting national security and maintaining the integrity of the residency and visa systems. The Ministry also issued a stern warning: those found guilty of participating in such criminal activities will be met with the full force of the law.
This high-profile bust underscores Kuwait’s firm stance against document fraud and illegal migration networks, and highlights the country’s proactive role in international security cooperation.
