Kuwait arrests Syrian for selling counterfeit police and military ranks, seizes 1,770 insignias

Ministry warns against misuse of security logos and urges public to report offenders

Last updated: August 10, 2025 | 12:43

Khitam Al Amir

1 MIN READ

The suspect was taken into custody and the items confiscated. Illustrative image.

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Dubai: Kuwaiti security authorities have arrested a Syrian man accused of selling counterfeit military ranks from multiple state institutions, including the police, army, National Guard and fire department, the Interior Ministry said.

The arrest, reported by Arabic-language daily Al Qabas, followed an investigation by the ministry’s General Department of Criminal Investigation.

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Security intelligence indicated the man had been offering the ranks for sale without authorisation.

A sting operation led to the seizure of 700 ranks belonging to the Interior Ministry, 300 to the National Guard, 270 to the Ministry of Defence, and 500 badges from various ministries and agencies, including customs.

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The suspect was taken into custody and the items confiscated. Legal procedures are under way to refer the case to the competent authorities.

In its statement, the Interior Ministry vowed to take a hard line against actions that “undermine the dignity of security and military institutions or misuse their logos,” and urged the public to report similar cases through official channels or by calling the emergency number 112.

Khitam Al Amir

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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