Kuwait dismantles human trafficking ring, arrests key suspects

Kuwait’s Interior Ministry announced the dismantling of a human trafficking ring involved in illegally bringing workers into the country for financial gain.

The operation, led by a Kuwaiti national and a Pakistani accomplice, charged KD500 ($1,626) per worker by fraudulently placing them under a company’s sponsorship.

Investigations revealed that the implicated company had 119 workers registered under its sponsorship. Authorities arrested the two main suspects, along with others who allegedly facilitated their activities. All involved have been referred to legal authorities for further action.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to combating human trafficking and cracking down on illegal residency schemes.

This case is part of Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to dismantle similar rackets. In recent months, several operations have exposed the illegal trade in residency permits, commonly known as iqamas.

Last week, authorities uncovered a gang comprising a Kuwaiti company owner and a Syrian national, who unlawfully transferred workers’ iqamas to the company’s sponsorship in exchange for KD300-500 per individual. This scheme involved over 600 workers.

In October, another expatriate gang, involving Syrian, Egyptian, and Asian nationals, was implicated in trafficking iqamas. Additionally, in August, two similar rackets operating through fake companies were dismantled.

As part of its crackdown, Kuwait deported over 21,000 foreigners in the first nine months of the year for violating residency and labor laws.

Kuwait reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward human trafficking and the exploitation of residency permits, aiming to safeguard its labor and immigration systems.