02/02/2025
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02/02/2025
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KUWAIT CITY, Feb 2: In a major victory against illegal visa trading, Kuwaiti authorities have successfully dismantled a three-member gang involved in residency trafficking, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat such crimes. The gang, led by an Egyptian national nicknamed "the fox," included two employees from the General Department of Residency Affairs and the Public Authority for Manpower. The operation was conducted under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, who has emphasized the importance of enforcing the law and pursuing violators to maintain order in the country.
The Gang’s Illegal Activities
The gang was involved in a wide range of illegal activities, including facilitating the transfer of residency permits for violators within Kuwait and bringing in foreign workers from abroad. According to security sources, the gang charged between 400 dinars for local residency transfers and up to 2,000 dinars or more for bringing workers into the country illegally. Their operations were highly organized, with the Egyptian leader, known as "the fox," coordinating the activities and his two accomplices—employees in the residency and manpower departments—providing the necessary support to manipulate official records.
Uncovering the Network
The investigation began when the Residency Affairs Sector Investigations Department received information about a widespread residency trafficking network operating within the country. A specialized team was formed to gather evidence and track down the individuals involved. Through meticulous investigation, it was revealed that the gang had tampered with the records of over 275 companies, some of which were legitimate while others were entirely fictitious. These companies were used to create fake job opportunities and issue work permits for more than 553 workers, all for financial gain.
The gang’s activities were not limited to residency transfers. They also exploited the system by registering workers under these fake companies, many of which were closed immediately after the residency permits were issued and payments were received. This left numerous workers in legal limbo, unaware of their illegal status, and wandering the country in violation of the law.
Arrests and Confessions
After gathering sufficient evidence, the security forces moved in to arrest the gang members. The Egyptian leader, "the fox," and his two accomplices were apprehended and subsequently confessed to their crimes. They admitted to tampering with official transactions, manipulating company records, and issuing fraudulent work permits in exchange for large sums of money. The total amount earned by the gang through these illegal activities exceeded one million dinars.
Legal Actions and Penalties
All individuals involved in the scheme, including the gang members and the owners of the companies used for illegal activities, have been referred to the Public Prosecution for further legal action. The new residency law, which has been recently updated, imposes severe penalties on those involved in residency trafficking. Offenders face imprisonment ranging from 3 to 5 years and fines between 5,000 and 10,000 dinars. The penalties are even harsher for public employees who abuse their positions to facilitate such crimes, with the law stipulating doubled penalties in such cases.
Measures to Prevent Future Crimes
To prevent similar crimes in the future, the Residency Affairs Sector has implemented a series of strict measures and controls. These include:
1. Enhanced Transaction Monitoring: All residency and work permit transactions are now subject to rigorous scrutiny under new laws and regulations.
2. 24/7 Hotline: A dedicated hotline has been established to receive reports of residency trafficking around the clock, encouraging citizens and residents to report suspicious activities.
3. Comprehensive Audits: An integrated plan has been put in place to monitor companies and verify their legitimacy, ensuring that they are not being used for illegal purposes.
4. Electronic Monitoring Systems: Advanced electronic systems have been introduced to track and audit residency and work permit transactions, making it harder for violators to manipulate the system.
5. Surprise Inspections: Continuous and surprise field inspection campaigns are being conducted to identify and address any violations promptly.
Encouraging Whistleblowers
Authorities have also emphasized the importance of encouraging workers to report residency trafficking crimes. Under the new law, workers who come forward to report such violations are exempt from punishment, ensuring that they are not penalized for being victims of these illegal schemes. At the same time, the law mandates strict and severe penalties for anyone involved in residency trafficking, sending a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated.
The arrest of the gang and the dismantling of their network represents a significant achievement in Kuwait’s efforts to combat residency trafficking and enforce the rule of law. The case highlights the importance of continuous vigilance, robust legal frameworks, and public cooperation in addressing such crimes. With the new measures in place, authorities are confident that they can curb illegal activities and protect the integrity of the country’s residency and labor systems.
