Latest news with #GeneralDepartmentofCriminalEvidence
Arab Times
01-05-2025
- Arab Times
KD 4,500 Worth of Cables Stolen from Mutlaa Power Station
KUWAIT CITY, May 1: The Deputy Public Prosecutor has ordered that a case involving the theft of copper cables belonging to the Ministry of Electricity be classified as a felony. He directed investigators to track down and arrest the suspects, and instructed the General Department of Criminal Evidence to send forensic technicians to the scene to gather evidence that may help identify the perpetrators. According to a security source, the case filed at the Mutlaa Police Station originated from a report by a Ministry of Electricity representative. The official reported a wiring fault at a ministry-operated station in Block N2 of the Mutlaa area. Upon inspection, it was discovered that unknown individuals had stolen twenty-eight copper cables, each 630 mm in diameter and seven meters long, with an estimated total value of KD 4,500. When questioned about surveillance at the site, the representative confirmed that there were no cameras. The incident has been registered as Case No. 30/2025.
Gulf Insider
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait Approves Use Of DNA And Biometrics Testing In Citizenship Decisions
The Kuwaiti government has issued a new ministerial resolution authorising the use of advanced scientific methods—including DNA and biometric analysis — in decisions related to the granting, revocation, confirmation, or withdrawal of Kuwaiti citizenship. Ministerial Resolution No. 678 of 2025, issued by Sheikh Fahad Al Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, outlines a regulatory framework aimed at enhancing the accuracy and integrity of citizenship procedures through modern technology. According to local media, the resolution includes the following key provisions: Scientific verification tools: The use of DNA testing and biometric data such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans will be permitted to determine eligibility for Kuwaiti nationality. The use of DNA testing and biometric data such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans will be permitted to determine eligibility for Kuwaiti nationality. Mandatory testing : Individuals under review will be required to undergo genetic and biometric testing at centres designated and certified by the Ministry of Interior. Individuals under review will be required to undergo genetic and biometric testing at centres designated and certified by the Ministry of Interior. Data confidentiality : All personal and genetic data must be treated with the utmost confidentiality. The testing process must be meticulously documented at each stage. All personal and genetic data must be treated with the utmost confidentiality. The testing process must be meticulously documented at each stage. Legal safeguards: Tests must be conducted by qualified professionals who have no personal or familial relationship with the individual concerned. Results will be assessed jointly by the General Department of Criminal Evidence and the Nationality Department, and final recommendations will be submitted to the Supreme Committee for Nationality Tests must be conducted by qualified professionals who have no personal or familial relationship with the individual concerned. Results will be assessed jointly by the General Department of Criminal Evidence and the Nationality Department, and final recommendations will be submitted to the Supreme Committee for Nationality Permissible biological samples: DNA samples may be collected from a variety of sources, including blood, saliva, hair, bone, and urine, among others. DNA samples may be collected from a variety of sources, including blood, saliva, hair, bone, and urine, among others. Oversight and supervision:The Ministry of Interior is authorised to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and other relevant bodies to ensure the implementation of proper procedures and scientific integrity. The resolution will come into effect upon its publication in the official gazette. Officials say the move reflects Kuwait's commitment to transparency, accuracy, and legal due process in matters of national identity.
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
New Kuwaiti citizenship rules: Genetic and biometric data now compulsory
KUWAIT CITY - The Ministry of Interior has issued Ministerial Resolution No. 678 of 2025 outlining the official use of modern scientific techniques—including genetic and biometric analysis—in the process of granting, withdrawing, revoking, or confirming Kuwaiti citizenship. The resolution, issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, comes after a review of Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959, which governs the Kuwaiti Nationality Law and its subsequent amendments. The move marks a significant step toward integrating advanced technology into national identity verification processes. Key Definitions and Methods Under the resolution, several key terms are defined to standardize procedures: - Genetic fingerprint refers to the unique biological gene map that identifies individuals, derived from DNA analysis of biospecimens. - Biometric fingerprints include physical identifiers such as fingerprints, iris patterns, and facial recognition data. - Biospecimens refer to biological samples taken from individuals for identity verification and familial linkage testing. Approved Scientific Methods The resolution authorizes the use of the following modern scientific techniques in determining citizenship status: 1. Genetic fingerprinting and analysis of hereditary traits. 2. Biometric fingerprinting and analysis of biometric features. 3. Any new scientific methods developed in the future. Mandatory Participation All individuals under investigation for matters related to citizenship—whether for granting, withdrawal, loss, or revocation—are required to undergo genetic and biometric data collection as stipulated in the resolution. National Database The Ministry of Interior will maintain a secure database containing the collected genetic and biometric data. This will be used to verify identities and prevent impersonation in a precise and effective manner. The Ministry emphasized that the integration of scientific methods aims to enhance accuracy, transparency, and fairness in citizenship-related decisions. Authorized Authorities and Equipment Article 4 of the resolution states that the competent authorities responsible for conducting genetic and biometric fingerprint analysis will be designated by the Minister of Interior. Among them must be the center within the General Department of Criminal Evidence. These designated authorities must possess medically and technically approved equipment to carry out DNA and genetic trait analysis, as well as biometric fingerprint examinations, to establish or disprove paternity and lineage as required under the resolution. Use of Biometric Fingerprints Article 5 lays out the process for biometric identification, which includes fingerprinting, iris scans, facial recognition, and photographic image matching. Key provisions include: 1. Biometric fingerprints shall be collected at the General Department of Criminal Evidence, upon request from the General Department of Nationality and Travel Documents or any authority appointed by the Minister of Interior. 2. If the Department of Criminal Evidence—or any other relevant entity—has existing biometric or genetic data for a subject, it must be disclosed and forwarded to the Department of Nationality and Travel Documents. If no data exists, the subject must undergo testing within one week of the request. 3. Results from biometric fingerprint analyses or comparisons must be sent to the Department of Nationality and Travel Documents or the designated authority. 4. The Department of Nationality and Travel Documents will then prepare an official memorandum interpreting the results and recommending whether the data supports the granting, revocation, or denial of citizenship. This will be submitted to the Supreme Committee for Nationality for final action. 5. Upon request from the concerned parties or the Department of Criminal Evidence, and with the approval of the Department of Nationality and Travel Documents or the Minister's designee, biometric fingerprint tests may be repeated to verify accuracy. Genetic Fingerprinting Procedures Article 6 specifies the steps for conducting genetic fingerprint testing: 1. A permit must be obtained from the Department of Nationality or another designated authority before conducting any genetic fingerprinting for citizenship-related purposes. 2. Biological samples—such as blood, saliva, or hair—will be collected from the concerned individuals, with all collection procedures properly documented to preserve sample integrity. 3. Analyses must be performed in approved laboratories listed under Article 4. Strict confidentiality must be maintained throughout, and DNA will be extracted and compared based on established technical and medical protocols. 4. Individuals performing genetic fingerprint analysis must meet the following criteria: - Be included in a list approved by the Ministry of Interior. - Have no personal relationship (kinship, friendship, hostility, or vested interest) with the individual being tested. - Must not have a criminal record involving felonies or crimes of moral turpitude or breach of trust. - Must maintain a documented record of all tests for auditing purposes by the Ministry. - A detailed report of the results must be submitted in a sealed, confidential envelope to the General Department of Criminal Evidence. Final Reporting and Review Procedures Clause F: The General Department of Criminal Evidence is tasked with preparing a final report containing its official findings and conclusions regarding DNA test results. This report will be submitted to the General Department of Nationality and Travel Documents. Clause G: Following the receipt of the report, the General Department of Nationality and Travel Documents will draft a memorandum assessing the implications of the test results and their relevance to citizenship eligibility. This memorandum will be forwarded to the Supreme Nationality Committee for appropriate action. Clause H: If requested by the concerned parties or the examining center, and with the approval of the General Department of Nationality and Travel Documents or an authority designated by the Minister of Interior, a DNA test may be repeated to confirm the accuracy of the results. Approved Sources for DNA Testing Article 7 DNA samples may be collected from the following sources: 1. Blood 2. Semen 3. Hair root or hair strand 4. Bone 5. Saliva 6. Urine 7. Amniotic fluid from the fetus 8. Fertilized egg cells after division 9. Any body cell Chain of Custody and Documentation Article 8 All stages of DNA analysis—from sample collection and transfer to final results—must be thoroughly documented to preserve sample integrity and ensure accurate results. These records shall be securely stored at the General Department of Criminal Evidence and may be audited at any time by the Ministry of Interior to verify their security, accuracy, and confidentiality. Supervision and Oversight Article 9 The Ministry of Interior is authorized to seek the expertise of specialists from the Ministry of Health or other relevant bodies to oversee and ensure proper execution of DNA analysis procedures under the resolution's standards. Confidentiality Measures Article 10 All genetic data obtained through any scientific method under this resolution must be handled with the utmost confidentiality and privacy. Implementation and Enforcement Article 11 The Undersecretary of the Ministry is responsible for implementing this resolution, which comes into effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette. Arab Times | © Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( arabtimes
Arab Times
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait turns to genetic and biometric tech for citizenship verification
KUWAIT CITY, April 19: Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has officially adopted modern scientific methods, including genetic fingerprinting and biometric analysis, in the processes of granting, withdrawing, losing, or revoking Kuwaiti citizenship. The decision comes under Ministerial Resolution No. 678 of 2025, issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef. The resolution is based on Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959 concerning Kuwaiti nationality and its subsequent amendments. It aims to enhance accuracy and integrity in verifying individuals' eligibility for citizenship by applying advanced technologies. Definitions and key concepts Under Article 1, the resolution defines essential terms: Genetic fingerprint: A unique biological code derived from DNA that identifies an individual. Biometric fingerprint: Identification based on physical traits like fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans. Bio-specimens: Bodily samples (e.g., blood, saliva) used for DNA testing. Subject person: An individual under investigation regarding their entitlement to Kuwaiti citizenship. Database: A secure digital system storing genetic and biometric data. Article 2: Approved scientific methods The resolution outlines three recognized scientific methods for citizenship procedures: Genetic trait or fingerprint analysis. Biometric identification. Any future scientific methods recognized officially. Article 3: Mandatory testing Citizens or residents undergoing investigation must submit to genetic and biometric testing to determine eligibility for citizenship-related procedures. Article 4: Designated testing authorities Approved testing centers will be determined by the Minister of Interior, including the General Department of Criminal Evidence. These centers must be equipped with medically approved tools and adhere to rigorous standards. Article 5: Biometric data protocols Biometric data will be collected and processed according to strict rules: Testing must occur at the General Department of Criminal Evidence upon request from relevant authorities. If no existing data is found, individuals must report for testing within a week. All results are submitted to the General Department of Nationality and Travel Documents, which then prepares a memorandum for the Supreme Committee for Nationality. Retesting may be requested with proper authorization. Article 6: DNA analysis procedures DNA tests follow strict protocols: Requires prior approval from relevant authorities. Bio-samples such as blood, saliva, or hair must be securely collected and documented. Only approved and impartial personnel may conduct the tests. Final test reports are submitted confidentially and assessed by the Ministry of Interior for further action. Samples for DNA testing may include: Blood, semen, saliva, urine, hair roots, bones, amniotic fluid, fertilized egg cells, or body cells. Each step in the DNA testing process must be documented to ensure accuracy and integrity. Records will be audited as needed by the Ministry of Interior. The Ministry may collaborate with the Ministry of Health or other relevant institutions to oversee DNA testing operations. Article 10: Privacy and confidentiality Strict confidentiality must be maintained in handling genetic data collected through these scientific methods. The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior is tasked with implementing this resolution, which comes into effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette.
Arab Times
06-04-2025
- Arab Times
Arab Expat Dies in Fall from Construction Site in Mutlaa
KUWAIT CITY, April 6: Forensic personnel transferred the body of an Arab expatriate, born in 1975, to the General Department of Criminal Evidence after he fell from a building under construction in the Mutlaa area. The operations room was immediately notified by one of the deceased's colleagues, prompting patrols and an ambulance to rush to the scene. Upon arrival, it was confirmed that the expatriate had passed away, and a case was registered. In a separate incident, an Arab expatriate, born in 1984, was rushed to Al-Jahra Hospital after sustaining multiple injuries. He was admitted to intensive care, and his condition was reported as critical
