This technology could change forensics forever — and Kuwait is leading the charge

Arab Times

21-07-2025

KUWAIT CITY, July 21: Brigadier Abdul Rahim Mohammed Al‑Awadhi, Director of the Forensic Medicine Department at the General Department of Criminal Evidence (GDCE), affirmed in an interview with Al‑Anba the department's pivotal contribution to criminal investigations through precise scientific analysis.
Brig. Al‑Awadhi underscored the department's decisive involvement in major criminal cases solved within record time, including the Imam Al‑Sadiq Mosque bombing, the Hawally 'monster' case involving approximately 18 child rape offenses, and the Jahra wedding tent fire that tragically claimed around 57 lives.
He detailed the department's methodical approach: examining the crime scene, transporting the body to the morgue for a thorough autopsy, followed by a comprehensive medical report that scientifically clarifies the cause of death. These findings are coordinated with investigative authorities to inform legal proceedings.
Highlighting future enhancements, Brig. Al‑Awadhi announced ongoing efforts to align Kuwait's forensic sciences with international standards. A key initiative includes plans to introduce a virtual autopsy—or "virtopsy"—utilizing advanced imaging like CT and MRI scans to examine bodies without surgical dissection, a non‑invasive alternative being adopted in other countries.
He revealed that the department is on the verge of earning multiple international quality certifications—ISO 9001:2015 for quality management and ISO 13485:2016 for medical device standards—underscoring its commitment to meeting rigorous global benchmarks in forensic service delivery and equipment handling.
The Forensic Medicine Department comprises several specialized divisions:
Living Examination Department: Assesses and documents injuries in cases of assault.n
Mortality Examination Department: Determines causes of death, analyzes toxins and injuries.n
Pathology or Tissue Examination Department: Investigates tissue-level alterations to ascertain cause of death.n
Specialized Clinics Department: Includes radiology, ophthalmology, and dentistry specialists.n
Follow-up and Coordination Department: Manages administrative workflows and inter-departmental communication.n
Brig. Al‑Awadhi outlined that forensic reports guide criminal investigations by accurately determining critical elements such as time and cause of death, injury patterns, links to crime scenes, and suspect identification—all based on scientific data.
He further explained that the GDCE's forensic system can be mobilized for complex cases involving fires or advanced decomposition. In such instances, a multidiscipline task force applies strict protocols and coordinated analysis to deliver prompt and reliable results.
Recognizing challenges such as caseload pressure, the need for precision, and confidentiality, the department has established a Quality Control Department and a Coordination Unit. It has also introduced a secure G2G messaging system to transmit forensic reports electronically and discreetly, reducing reliance on paper-based procedures.
In support of digital transformation, the department is integrating services with the Ministry of Interior's 'Sahel' application. Upcoming features will allow citizens and residents to receive notifications relating to civil and medical legal processes—including appointment scheduling and case status—enhancing transparency and procedural efficiency.
The department is evaluating adoption of virtopsy technology—a forensic imaging system that uses CT and MRI to simulate autopsy findings without dissection. This method has gained traction internationally due to its ability to preserve the integrity of the body and facilitate faster, non-invasive investigations—especially relevant in settings with cultural sensitivities regarding autopsies
Brig. Al‑Awadhi also praised the leadership of Sheikh Fahad Al‑Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, for championing modernization of the forensic sector. He emphasized that Sheikh Al‑Yousef's support is central to the department's development — providing the latest crime detection technologies, promoting continuous professional training, and fostering integration with other Ministry sectors to ensure rapid, transparent justice.
Through these efforts, Kuwait's Forensic Medicine Department is advancing toward international leadership in forensic science — enhancing its role as a crucial pillar in both the security and judicial systems.