Latest news with #StateSecurityDepartment
Arab Times
22-05-2025
- Arab Times
The Story of Three Syrian Brothers and a Forged Kuwait Citizenship
KUWAIT CITY, May 22: In a high-profile case of forged nationality, informed sources have revealed that three brothers—one of whom obtained Kuwaiti citizenship under false pretenses are at the center of a large-scale fraud investigation that has exposed decades-old manipulation of the naturalization system. According to investigative findings, the eldest brother, originally of Syrian descent, was granted Kuwaiti citizenship in the 1960s under Article 1 of the Nationality Law by submitting a falsified birth date. Though he was born in the 1950s, he claimed to be born in the 1940s to meet the age requirement for naturalization. He later secured a job in Kuwait's oil sector, built a life, and raised a family. However, once investigators uncovered his fraudulent background, he fled the country in November last year with his wife and one of his children, after selling his house and liquidating his assets. Investigators traced his extended family to Syria, where DNA samples taken from his cousins confirmed, via matching Y-chromosome profiles, that they shared a common male ancestor with the fugitive's children. This provided scientific validation of the familial ties and bolstered the case against him. Notably, such genetic evidence was previously not accepted in such cases, but a report from the State Security Department corroborated the findings of the Nationality Investigations Department, offering additional proof of identity fraud. Further digging revealed that his second brother had also acquired Kuwaiti citizenship under the 'noble deeds' clause in 1976, based on letters of recommendation describing him as a philanthropist. He too had worked in the oil sector and is now deceased. A handwritten statement found in his file confirmed that he and the first brother were siblings, both originating from the village of Al-Hasrat in Al-Bukamal, Deir ez-Zor Governorate, Syria. A third brother, also living in Kuwait, had applied for citizenship alongside his siblings in 1976 but was denied. He later applied again through a separate committee but remained stateless (Bedoun). The case against all three was solidified with documentary evidence, genetic testing, and the signed acknowledgment from the second brother that they were, indeed, brothers, confirming the fraudulent citizenship status of at least two of them. Authorities say the fugitive brother, who obtained citizenship via Article 1, has an estimated 50 dependents or followers, while the second brother, now deceased, had 77 followers. In a further twist, it was revealed that the son of the first forger (a high-ranking officer in the Kuwait military)had submitted a retirement request following the exposure of the case. That request was halted after it was discovered he had already left Kuwait and is believed to be in Britain. The investigation highlights the complexities and long-term consequences of fraudulent naturalization and may lead to broader reviews of past citizenship cases.
Arab News
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Lithuania accuses Belarus, Russia of operation against Belarusian exiles
VILNIUS: Lithuania's intelligence service accused Belarus and Russia on Wednesday of attempting to organize attacks against Belarusians in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. The State Security Department (VSD) said the goal of the alleged operation had been to cause conflicts between Lithuanians and the tens of thousands of Belarusians in the Baltic state. Many Belarusians, who include opposition figures and activists, moved there as Minsk clamped down on dissent after a 2020 presidential election that rights groups said was fraudulent. 'Russian and Belarusian intelligence services have been conducting ... an operation since 2023 aimed at fomenting ethnic tensions between Lithuanian society and the newly-arrived Belarusian diaspora to make them feel unsafe in the country,' the VSD said in a statement. It accused Minsk and Moscow of recruiting people to organize and undertake attacks on Belarusian exiles in exchange for cryptocurrency payments. It said the assaults were prevented but did not specify how. The VSD also accused the two countries of recruiting people to spray anti-Belarusian and anti-Lithuanian graffiti in Vilnius. It said a series of vandalism acts targeting Belarusian businesses and cultural centers had taken place since last year. The intelligence service claimed Belarus and Russia recruited people mainly from the Russian-speaking Lithuanian community on Telegram, a secure messaging app. European officials have accused Russia of orchestrating a hybrid war against Western countries supporting Ukraine since Moscow invaded the country in February 2022. The term 'hybrid' is commonly used to describe attacks that do not use conventional military tactics, such as sabotaging infrastructure or launching cyberattacks. In March, Lithuania arrested two Ukrainians for attempting to set fire to an IKEA store in Vilnius — an incident it blamed on Russian intelligence. 'Lithuania's intelligence services warn that the work of Russian and Belarusian secret services in Lithuania remain intensive,' the VSD said.
See - Sada Elbalad
17-04-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
The Silent Suffering of Repatriated North Korean Women : Forced Abortions and Inhumane Abuse
Huh Su-kyung, Former Professor at Chongjin Teachers' College(North Korean defector) One of the gravest human rights violations taking place in North Korea is the practice of forced abortions. North Korean women, in search of a better life, cross the border into China. However, if caught and repatriated, they face a brutal and heartless fate. Among the most horrifying aspects of this fate is the treatment of pregnant women—something that reveals the depths of human cruelty. The Nightmare That Awaits After Repatriation Defectors who are forcibly returned to North Korea are typically detained in facilities operated by the State Security Department or the Ministry of Public Security. There, they are forced to spend most of their day hunched on cold floors. Meals are limited to a handful of corn kernels and a bowl of saltwater soup per day. While all repatriated defectors endure these inhumane conditions, women face even more harrowing abuse—especially those who are pregnant. Branded as Traitors: The Start of Forced Abortions Pregnant defectors are labeled by North Korean authorities as "traitors carrying the seed of foreigners." The regime considers children conceived with foreign men, especially Chinese, as "hybrids" and an insult to the purity of the system. During detention, women are subjected to coercive interrogations about their pregnancy. Beatings and invasive physical examinations are common, carried out with no regard for their dignity or humanity. If a woman is found to be pregnant by a Chinese man, she is forcibly taken to a hospital. The procedure that follows is more violent than medical. In unhygienic conditions, with no professional care, a long and thick needle is used to stab the uterus and kill the fetus. Bleeding and broken, the woman is immediately sent back to the detention center. A Systematic Crime: More Testimonies of Forced Abortions Numerous testimonies reveal just how widespread and systematic this crime is in North Korea. One defector recounted being four months pregnant when repatriated. Without explanation, she was placed on a hospital bed and injected in the stomach. The pain from the expulsion of the fetus was indescribable, but what haunted her most was the staff's cold indifference. After the abortion, she was left covered in blood, unattended, and later dragged back to the detention cell. 'The feeling of being worse than dead still haunts me in my nightmares,' she sobbed. Another woman, repatriated in her seventh month of pregnancy, was visibly near full term. Yet, authorities proceeded with a forced abortion as soon as she arrived at the hospital. Because the fetus was so developed, the procedure was especially dangerous. She eventually died from excessive bleeding. To North Korean authorities, her death was insignificant. Neither her life nor her unborn child's was acknowledged, and no one was held accountable. The Suffering Doesn't End with the Abortion Forced abortions leave lasting physical and psychological scars. The women are returned to their cells immediately, with no time to recover. They sit all day on cold floors with little food, in unhygienic conditions that often lead to infection. Medical treatment is nonexistent, even for serious complications. These women, especially those who were pregnant, are treated as the worst kind of criminals and receive harsher punishments than others. Many faint or die from the ordeal, but their deaths receive no sympathy or mourning. Other women remain in detention, silenced by fear and resigned to the same fate. Lives That Were Never Born The fetuses that are killed through forced abortions are also victims of grave injustice. These are not just crimes against women—they are crimes against unborn lives. These children never had the chance to see the world. No one records their existence. No one remembers them. One defector reflected on her experience: "Every time my baby moved inside me, I imagined talking to them. I still dream of the day they would smile as they were born. But since that day, even in my dreams, my child turns away from me. Was I never meant to be a mother?" A Reality of Endless Suffering For North Korean women, forced abortion is a life-shattering violation. The pain of the procedure, the trauma etched into their bodies and minds, lingers for a lifetime. Many survivors struggle to move forward, but the scars of this brutal crime continue to inflict deep emotional suffering. read more Analysis- Turkey Has 0 Regional Allies... Why? Analysis: Russia, Turkey... Libya in Return For Syria? Analysis: Who Will Gain Trump's Peace Plan Fruits? Analysis: Will Turkey's Erdogan Resort to Snap Election? Analysis: What Are Turkey's Aspirations in Iraq? Opinion & Analysis Analysis: Mercenaries In Libya... Who Should Be Blamed? Opinion & Analysis Analysis- How 'Libya Nightmare' Takes Erdogan to Algiers Opinion & Analysis Analysis: What Happens After Brexit? Opinion & Analysis Analysis: Strategic Significance of Libya's Sirte, Jufra! News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Arts & Culture Arwa Gouda Gets Married (Photos)
Sharjah 24
11-02-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
WGS: Mohammed bin Rashid, Kuwait's PM discuss growing relations
Discussion on bilateral relations and cooperation His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum welcomed Kuwait's prime minister, who delivered a keynote speech during the first day of the summit. During their meeting, both officials discussed the deeply rooted bilateral ties and highlighted the ongoing cooperation between the UAE and Kuwait across various sectors. Role of the World Governments Summit Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasised the role of the WGS in strengthening global cooperation, particularly in government modernisation and future foresight. He stressed on the necessity to foster partnerships among Arab governments across various sectors to drive comprehensive developmental progress for the people of the region. Promoting regional development and cooperation His Highness pointed to the summit's critical role in bringing nations closer together and achieving significant successes over the years. He noted the summit's contribution to enhancing global cooperation for sustainable growth across all government sectors, ultimately stimulating national economies and enhancing the well-being of societies. He conveyed his sincere wishes for continued progress, growth, and prosperity for the leadership and people of Kuwait. Sheikh Ahmed's praise for the Summit's role For his part, Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al Ahmad Al Sabah praised the role of WGS in strengthening regional cooperation and creating new opportunities for governments to enhance their performance and improve public services. He emphasised that these efforts contribute to advancing comprehensive and sustainable development for all nations and for people in the region. Attendees of the Meeting The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Media Council; Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Governments Summit; Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Talal Belhoul Al Falasi, President of Dubai's State Security Department; and Sultan bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World. WGS 2025 overview The WGS 2025, which will continue until 13 February, convenes over 30 heads of state and government, more than 80 international and regional organisations, and 140 government delegations. Its agenda features 21 global forums exploring major future trends and transformations, over 200 interactive sessions with more than 300 prominent speakers—including presidents, ministers, experts, thought leaders, and decision-makers—and over 30 ministerial meetings and roundtables attended by more than 400 ministers. The summit will also publish 30 strategic reports in partnership with its international knowledge partners.
Gulf Today
11-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Mohammed, Kuwaiti PM discuss ways to enhance bilateral ties
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in the presence of Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, met Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al Abdullah Al Ahmad Al Sabah during the World Governments Summit (WGS), which kicked off on Tuesday under the theme 'Shaping Future Governments.' Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Kuwait's prime minister, who delivered a keynote speech during the first day of the summit. During their meeting, both officials discussed the deeply rooted bilateral ties and highlighted the ongoing cooperation between the UAE and Kuwait across various sectors. Sheikh Mohammed emphasised the role of the WGS in strengthening global cooperation, particularly in government modernisation and future foresight. He stressed on the necessity to foster partnerships among Arab governments across various sectors to drive comprehensive developmental progress for the people of the region. Sheikh Mohammed pointed to the summit's critical role in bringing nations closer together and achieving significant successes over the years . He noted the summit's contribution to enhancing global cooperation for sustainable growth across all government sectors, ultimately stimulating national economies and enhancing the well-being of societies. Sheikh Mohammed conveyed his sincere wishes for continued progress, growth, and prosperity for the leadership and people of Kuwait. For his part, Sheikh Ahmed praised the role of WGS in strengthening regional cooperation and creating new opportunities for governments to enhance their performance and improve public services. He emphasised that these efforts contribute to advancing comprehensive and sustainable development for all nations and for people in the region. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Media Council; Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Governments Summit; Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Talal Belhoul Al Falasi, President of Dubai's State Security Department, and Sultan Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World. The WGS 2025, which will continue until 13 February, convenes over 30 heads of state and government, more than 80 international and regional organisations and 140 government delegations. Its agenda features 21 global forums exploring major future trends and transformations, over 200 interactive sessions with more than 300 prominent speakers—including presidents, ministers, experts, thought leaders, and decision-makers—and over 30 ministerial meetings and roundtables attended by more than 400 ministers. The summit will also publish 30 strategic reports in partnership with its international knowledge partners.
