Kuwait Fake Lease Arrests: Expats Warned Over Forged Address Documents

Kuwaiti authorities have arrested an Egyptian expatriate in Farwaniya on suspicion of forging residential lease agreements and selling them to other expats who wanted to change their registered addresses. Arab Times reported on 30 September 2026 that he named accomplices during questioning, and they were also arrested. For workers in Kuwait, many of whom share housing and rely on middlemen for paperwork, this case is a clear warning. Here is what happened and how to register your address the legal way.

What Happened

According to Arab Times, which cited security sources, Kuwait’s forgery investigation unit received information about the suspect’s activities. After checking it, officers raided his home in Farwaniya and found a number of forged residential lease agreements.

During questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted to producing the leases and selling them to expatriates who needed a lease contract to change their registered address. He named accomplices, who were then arrested. A forgery case was registered and all suspects were referred to the competent authorities.

Why People Buy Fake Leases

In Kuwait, every resident’s address is registered with the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI), the agency that issues civil ID cards. To update an address, residents normally need a valid lease or proof of residence linked to the property.

Many lower-paid workers share rooms or flats where their name is not on the lease. Others have had their address removed after a building was demolished or the landlord’s records changed. A worker without a valid address can face problems with civil ID renewal and other services. That gap is what forgers exploit, by selling a ready-made lease for a fee.

Warning Signs of a Fake Lease Offer

• You have never seen the property named on the lease.
• The seller is not the landlord or a licensed real estate office.
• Payment is cash only, with no receipt.
• The offer promises a quick “address fix” without you visiting PACI or using official apps.

The Risk for Buyers

The report focuses on the sellers and does not say whether expatriates who bought the forged leases will face action. However, using a forged official document is itself a serious matter in most legal systems, including Kuwait’s. Buyers could face investigation, problems with their civil ID record, or difficulties renewing residency.

Kuwait has been tightening enforcement in the labour market and residency system this year. The Public Authority for Manpower’s board met on 30 September and its chairman called for stricter enforcement of labour market rules, as reported by Kuwait Times.

How to Register Your Address the Legal Way

1. Use a genuine lease

If you rent your own unit, ask the landlord or real estate office for a proper lease contract and keep a copy. If you share housing, ask whether the leaseholder can add you or provide the documents PACI accepts for residents of a shared unit.

2. Use official PACI channels

Submit address changes through PACI’s official services or the Sahel government app, not through middlemen who promise to “fix” your address for cash.

3. Ask your employer for help

If your employer provides accommodation, your address should be registered at the company housing. Ask HR to handle it properly.

4. Keep records

Keep copies of your lease, rent receipts and civil ID. They protect you if your address is questioned later.

Other Paperwork Traps to Avoid

Fake documents are not limited to leases. Workers in the Gulf are regularly offered forged visas, fake job contracts and “guaranteed” residency fixes. Our Gulf job scam safety checklist and our article on free visa job offers explain the warning signs.

If you are planning to move to Kuwait for work, read our guide to the Kuwait Article 18 work visa first, so your residency starts on the right footing.

What Has Not Been Confirmed

• Number of accomplices and forged leases: Not stated.
• Action against buyers: No announcement about expats who bought the leases.
• Official statement: The details come from security sources quoted by Arab Times, not a published Interior Ministry statement.

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