Security sources reported that the fraud came to light following a confidential tip to the Nationality Investigation Department, which launched a probe into the suspect’s citizenship file. The original Kuwaiti citizen was born in 1940 and passed away on April 26, 1970 at the age of 30, yet records showed activity under his name long after that date. Investigators determined that the impostor secured a civil identification card in 1987 by exploiting gaps in inter-agency data sharing that existed before full electronic integration.
The Births and Deaths Department confirmed the death of the legitimate identity holder more than five decades earlier when contacted by the probe team. Upon his arrest, the suspect admitted to holding another Gulf nationality and provided his real name along with his actual date of birth indicating he was born around 1960. A driver’s license from his country of origin matched these details and further linked to records of his children.
Forensic medical experts performed an age assessment that conclusively showed the man could not have been born in 1940 as his claimed documents stated. The examination placed his age at approximately 66 years old, creating a clear discrepancy with the official file that listed him as 86. This evidence, combined with other documentation, solidified the case against him.
The investigation hinged on four primary elements that together exposed the deception according to the security sources. Officials presented the death certificate from 1970 as irrefutable proof that the identity had long since ceased to exist legitimately. They also submitted the foreign driver’s license, the forensic age report and documentation tying the children to the suspect’s true identity.
Following these findings, the matter was forwarded to the Public Prosecution on charges of citizenship forgery and related offenses. The Higher Committee for Citizenship Investigation subsequently decided to cancel the Kuwaiti nationality granted under the false identity for both the man and all 20 of his listed dependents. This action reflects ongoing efforts to address irregularities in historical citizenship grants.
Such cases persisted for years because government databases lacked comprehensive connections prior to the introduction of the civil identification system in 1986, the sources explained. A Newlines Magazine assessment published in April 2026 noted that authorities had revoked over 71,000 citizenships by that time as part of a comprehensive review campaign that began in 2024. The committee chaired by Sheikh Fahad Yusuf al-Sabah has described these measures as essential for upholding the integrity of Kuwaiti nationality laws.
The probe continues with additional review of the full case file even after the citizenship revocations took effect. No DNA testing has been performed in this instance up to now, officials indicated. Authorities emphasized that improved digital linkages between departments now enable detection of similar long-hidden frauds that previously went unnoticed.
