KUWAIT CITY, July 7: In a successful joint operation between the Criminal Security Sector and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a notorious gang of Filipino nationals involved in forging official documents and submitting them to authorities in Kuwait has been apprehended.

The Ministry of Interior's General Department of Relations and Security Media released a statement emphasizing the firm stance of His Excellency the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Talal Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, against any attempts to tamper with the country's procedures and laws.

The Counterfeiting and Forgery Department of the General Department of Criminal Investigation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait, successfully arrested 33 Filipino individuals who were engaged in forging official documents, including education certificates, marriage contracts, and driver's license certificates. These counterfeit documents were being used to deceive the competent authorities. The arrested individuals have been handed over to the relevant authorities for necessary legal actions.

The forged marriage contracts were intended to facilitate the transfer of residency status from domestic worker to family members, and subsequently to a company. The fake academic certificates were aimed at meeting the requirements for obtaining entry visas to European countries, which demand proof of educational qualifications. Additionally, the counterfeit driving licenses were used to expedite the process of obtaining driving licenses in Kuwait, where submission of a valid driving license certificate from the applicant's home country is a prerequisite.

The Ministry of Interior emphasizes that no one is exempted from the law, and strict measures will be taken against any actions that contravene established procedures, laws, and disrupt public order in the country.