Over 60 under investigation for illegal crypto mining
KUWAIT CITY, April 30: Kuwait's Public Prosecution continues to investigate approximately 60 individuals involved in illicit cryptocurrency mining activities, with numbers expected to rise. The Cabinet has commended the outcomes of an extensive security operation conducted last Friday, overseen by Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar, and Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Abdullatif Al-Mishari. This campaign targeted numerous residences engaged in unauthorized cryptocurrency mining.
The Cabinet emphasized that the operation is part of ongoing governmental efforts to combat unlawful activities, safeguard the electricity grid from illegal usage, and ensure public safety. Such unauthorized mining exploits electrical resources, leading to increased grid loads, power outages, and disruptions in residential, commercial, and service areas.
The Public Prosecution, through the Commercial Affairs Prosecution, has ordered the continued detention of several suspects, including property owners who rented out their homes for mining purposes. Others have been released on bail of 500 Kuwaiti dinars. Investigators have confronted defendants with evidence of substantial deposits in their accounts, some amounting to 3,000–4,000 dinars daily, originating from unidentified sources. While charged with undermining national interests and engaging in unlicensed activities, many defendants have denied the allegations after being presented with criminal investigation reports linking them to the incidents and seized equipment.
Sources informed Al-Rai that operations to identify cryptocurrency mining sites are ongoing, in coordination with relevant authorities. Searches are being conducted in areas including Wafra, Sabah Al-Ahmad, and Mutlaa, with no region excluded, even those in the interior. The Ministry of Electricity is disconnecting power to properties involved in mining activities, with reconnection contingent upon approval from the Ministry of Interior.
Additionally, the Ministry of Electricity, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, is enforcing penalties for cryptocurrency mining activities based on regulations that impose an "absolute ban on all virtual asset/currency mining activities." This ban was issued by the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, along with other relevant authorities such as the Central Bank, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Capital Markets Authority.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
9 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait targets exam fraud, frivolous lawsuits with new reforms
KUWAIT CITY, June 5: The Kuwaiti Council of Ministers, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, convened its weekly session on Wednesday at Bayan Palace, reviewing significant local, regional, and international developments while approving major legal and institutional reforms. At the outset, the Cabinet extended Eid Al-Adha greetings to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and the people and residents of Kuwait. It also congratulated the Crown Prince on the first anniversary of assuming office, praising his national achievements and leadership. As part of its legislative agenda, the Cabinet approved two draft decree-laws. The first introduces Articles 259 bis and 259 bis (A) to Penal Code No. 16 of 1960, criminalizing acts related to cheating and manipulation in intermediate and secondary school exams. Violations are punishable by imprisonment of up to seven years and fines ranging from KD 1,000 to KD 10,000. The second draft law amends Judicial Fees Law No. 17 of 1973, aiming to discourage frivolous lawsuits and promote alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration and conciliation. These measures seek to preserve the integrity of the educational system and improve the effectiveness of the judiciary. The Cabinet commended the recent speech delivered by His Highness the Crown Prince at the Second GCC–ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, where he represented His Highness the Amir in his capacity as President of the Gulf Cooperation Council. In his address, His Highness emphasized the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation and building strategic partnerships rooted in mutual respect, sustainable development, and integration. Highlighting the combined economic strength of the GCC and ASEAN — with a total GDP nearing USD 6 trillion — His Highness called for enhanced cooperation in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and food security, especially through sustainable agricultural investment. The Cabinet also praised the Crown Prince's participation in the GCC–ASEAN–China Tripartite Summit, where he welcomed the launch of the 2023–2027 strategic dialogue action plan. The plan outlines collaboration across sectors including renewable energy, education, health, technology, and scientific research. The Cabinet reviewed the results of the Crown Prince's official visit to Japan from May 28 to 31. During the visit, His Highness met with Emperor Naruhito, Crown Prince Fumihito, and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to discuss elevating bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. Minister of Information, Culture, and State Minister for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi presented a detailed report on the Crown Prince's visit to Kuwait's pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka. Accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, His Highness toured the pavilion, which showcases Kuwait's achievements in economy, energy, environment, education, and cultural heritage. He expressed appreciation for the organizers' efforts in presenting Kuwait's identity to the global audience. The Cabinet also discussed the outcomes of the recent official visit by Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara. The talks, chaired by His Highness the Amir on the Kuwaiti side and President Al-Shara on the Syrian side, focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors and addressing the latest developments in Syria. Both parties emphasized the need for intensified international efforts to ensure Syria's sovereignty, security, and stability. Additionally, the Cabinet reviewed high-level visits from the leaders of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Talks with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the strength of fraternal relations. These meetings led to the signing of several memoranda of understanding in sectors such as energy, advanced technology, education, law, health, investment, and cybersecurity. The Council received a presentation from Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Abdulaziz Al-Mukhaizeem, who outlined progress on several strategic infrastructure projects. These include the Shagaya and Abdaliyah Renewable Energy Projects, Az-Zour North Phases II and III, Khairan and Nuwaiseeb Phase I, and the Subiya Plant expansion phases. Combined, these projects will add 14,050 megawatts of electricity and 228 million gallons of daily water production. The Cabinet commended the ministry's efforts and stressed the importance of addressing implementation challenges to meet the nation's growing energy demands. The session concluded with the Cabinet approving several items on the agenda and referring others to specialized ministerial committees for further review and action. Through these comprehensive discussions and decisions, the Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to national development, regional cooperation, and institutional integrity.
Arab Times
11 hours ago
- Arab Times
Fake Government Caller Dupes Expat Out of KD 400
KUWAIT CITY, June 5: An expatriate was scammed and lost KWD 400 from his bank account. In a report filed at a police station in the Ahmadi Governorate, the victim stated that he received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Kuwaiti citizen working for a government agency. The caller requested that he update his personal information and asked for his civil ID and bank card numbers. Shortly after providing the details, the expatriate received a message from his bank notifying him that KWD 400 had been withdrawn from his account. Alarmed, he immediately contacted the bank and had his account deactivated to prevent further unauthorized transactions. A case has been registered and referred to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
Kuwait Times
13 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Ambassadors convey Eid Al-Adha greetings
Anne Koistinen, Ambassador of European Union to Kuwait On behalf of the European Union delegation to the State of Kuwait, I extend my heartfelt wishes to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the people of Kuwait, and Muslims around the world including EU countries on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. I would also like to convey my warm congratulations to those who are travelling for the hajj pilgrimage this year. I join my Kuwaiti friends in celebrating Eid Al-Adha in Kuwait for the third year. Every Eid, I have the privilege of deepening my understanding of this important celebration and the meaningful customs that accompany it - traditions that beautifully embody the shared human values of kindness and generosity. Eid Al-Adha Mubarak! Olivier Gauvin, Ambassador of France to Kuwait On the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, I would like to extend, on behalf of the entire French Embassy, my sincere wishes to all those celebrating, in Kuwait, in France, and around the world. This is my first Eid Al-Adha in Kuwait. I am glad to experience it here, among Kuwaitis who, during these celebrations, demonstrate a deep sense of sharing, hospitality, and generosity, expressed through their beautiful traditions. This moment of togetherness and solidarity is also an opportunity to reflect on the values that unite us and to strengthen the bonds between our societies. I wish everyone a joyful and peaceful holiday, in good health. Eid Adha Mubarak. Eduardo Patricio Peña Haller Eduardo Patricio Peña Haller, Ambassador of Mexico to Kuwait On behalf of the Government and the people of Mexico, I have the honor to extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Sabah, the Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister, the government and the friendly people of Kuwait on the blessed occasion of Eid Al-Adha coupled with our best wishes for continued well-being and success. We wish the friendly people of Kuwait further prosperity, progress and stability. This sacred celebration is a time of reflection, generosity, and unity. It is a moment to honor shared values of compassion, solidarity and peace. May this Eid bring joy to all Kuwaiti families and strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding among our nations. Mexico and Kuwait enjoy a relationship founded on mutual respect, cooperation and shared interests. Over the years, our two countries have strengthened ties through diplomatic dialogue, economic collaboration and cultural exchange. We look forward to continuing this positive momentum and exploring new avenues to further deepen our partnership. Eid Mubarak! Wa Kullu Aam Wa Antum Bekhair
