Kuwait’s General Department of Criminal Investigation has arrested two individuals of Bangladeshi nationality on suspicion of filling counterfeit perfume bottles bearing international and local brand names and selling them as original products.
The arrests were made as part of efforts by the Criminal Security Sector to combat commercial fraud and protect intellectual property rights.
Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly refilled original perfume bottles with oils purchased in bulk, repackaged them and marketed the products as authentic fragrances. They reportedly used bottles carrying well-known brand names to deceive customers.
According to the investigation, the first suspect was arrested during a purchase operation in the Al-Munqaf area. He allegedly offered three perfume bottles for KD 17, although their original market value was approximately KD 150. The suspect was also found to be wanted in connection with an absconding-from-work report.
During questioning, he reportedly admitted to carrying out the activity in exchange for a monthly salary. He also identified a shop used to prepare and store the perfumes.
Authorities subsequently arrested the second suspect, who owned the shop, and seized items linked to the alleged operation.
The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 4,000 perfume bottles bearing various commercial trademarks, along with four bottles containing alcohol and quantities of perfume oils and equipment used to fill and prepare the products.
Both suspects and the seized items have been referred to the competent authorities for the necessary legal proceedings.