LOC16:56
13:56 GMT
KUWAIT, Aug 4 (KUNA) -- The Ministry of Interior announced on Monday the arrest of a gang involved in stealing money from citizens and residents using a new and unique criminal method by exploiting the cardless withdrawal feature of ATMs.
In a press statement, the Ministry said that intensive search and investigation efforts revealed the identity of the main suspect within less than 24 hours using biometric data.
Detectives were able to locate and arrest him in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh with an amount of money estimated at KD 5,000 (approx. USD 16,500), in addition to SIM cards, bank cards and receipts from exchange offices through which he intended to transfer money abroad.
The statement added that further investigations revealed the existence of a cross-border gang as well as two other individuals working in a clothing company, the suspect was cooperating with.
The company was exploited as a front with the aim of camouflaging and concealing the proceeds of the crime outside official financial channels.
The Ministry of Interior explained that the accused were arrested in the Khaitan area and the tools used in the transfer process were seized, indicating that legal measures are being taken against them.
The location of the international gang has been identified in an Asian country and coordination is underway with concerned authorities in this regard.
It stressed the continuation of its efforts to use modern technologies such as biometric fingerprints to detect crimes and confront any criminal activity that threatens societal safety. (end)
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