Fake cop arrested in Kuwait, solving 10 expat robbery cases
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Kuwaiti detectives arrested a Bedoun man accused of impersonating a police officer and robbing expatriates.
- The suspect allegedly used a stolen vehicle and targeted Asians to fund a drug habit, confessing to 10 theft cases.
- The arrest followed reports from expatriates in the Farwaniya Governorate who were stopped and had their wallets taken by the fake officer.
Detectives in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, Kuwait, have apprehended a Bedoun suspect in connection with 10 theft cases involving impersonation of police officers. The accused allegedly targeted expatriates, primarily Asians, using a stolen vehicle to carry out the robberies.
According to a security source, the suspect was arrested in the Al-Rai area. Police recovered the stolen vehicle, which had been reported missing and was allegedly used in the commission of the crimes. The suspect has been referred to the Public Prosecution and faces charges including theft, impersonating a police officer, and drug use.
The drug-related charge stems from the suspect's confession that he committed the thefts to support his addiction. The investigation was initiated after several expatriates in the Farwaniya Governorate reported being approached by an individual dressed in traditional Kuwaiti attire who claimed to be a police officer. The suspect would allegedly confiscate their wallets for inspection, instructing them to return to the police station to retrieve their belongings.
Investigations revealed three similar cases registered at the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh Police Station, with an additional seven cases reported in Khaitan and Farwaniya. A specialized team was formed to track the suspect and the vehicle. After receiving information about the vehicle's location at a shopping mall, police set up an ambush and made the arrest. During questioning, the suspect admitted to the thefts, and victims later identified him in a lineup. Authorities confirmed the vehicle used in the crimes had been reported stolen.
Originally published by Arab Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.