logo
Attorney Seeks Full Investigation and Asset Freeze in Raffle Fraud Case

Attorney Seeks Full Investigation and Asset Freeze in Raffle Fraud Case

Arab Times26-03-2025

KUWAIT CITY, March 26: Attorney Mohammed Al-Jassem, representing several Kuwaiti citizens and expats who participated in the Ya Hala Festival raffles, has confirmed that the manipulation of these raffles has not only damaged the reputation of the organizing bodies but also caused financial and moral harm to individuals and companies that adhered to the official conditions.
Highlighting "serious indications of systematic fraud and manipulation," Al-Jassem emphasized the need for urgent judicial intervention. He called for an immediate order to freeze the bank accounts of all suspects and requested the General Department of Criminal Investigations to provide a detailed report on all incoming and outgoing bank transfers linked to the suspects during the investigation period. He stressed the importance of analyzing these transactions and cross-referencing them with the names of the raffle winners.
Al-Jassem further requested a comprehensive audit of all raffles conducted by the implicated Ministry of Commerce employee. He demanded a thorough examination of the dates and transactions associated with each draw, along with a review of the winners' names to detect any patterns of repetition or manipulation. Additionally, he urged authorities to obtain records of all incoming and outgoing phone calls made by the accused during the relevant periods and compare them with the names of winners and participants.
He also called for an extensive investigation into all individuals with the authority to select names in raffles, recruitment processes, or other public competitions. Al-Jassem underscored the need to investigate potential bribery related to these activities.
According to Al-Jassem, the crime revolves around obtaining financial benefits through fraud, disguised as legitimate prizes, which are then sold or otherwise disposed of. He warned that the case exhibits clear signs of money laundering, as the illicit gains are being converted into seemingly legitimate assets. He urged the State Security and Anti-Money Laundering Service to investigate whether the fraudulently obtained prizes were sold or used as a front to conceal or transfer illicit funds. Furthermore, he raised concerns about the existence of a wider criminal network exploiting these activities for money laundering purposes.
Al-Jassem described the current revelations as merely "a drop in the ocean" of widespread fraud and corruption, which demands a serious and systematic response. He warned that remaining silent would only allow corruption to spread further, undermining public trust in government institutions. He called for the eradication of organized corruption networks, stressing that "what is hidden is even greater" and requires immediate action.
He urged authorities to treat this case with the same seriousness as the recent naturalization fraud investigations, emphasizing that it directly impacts the principles of social justice and should be met with zero tolerance.
Potential charges in the case include:
- Forgery of withdrawal documents
- Exploitation of public office
- Bribery, money laundering, and gross breach of duty

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Kuwait officially bans raising foreign flags, sectarian symbols
Kuwait officially bans raising foreign flags, sectarian symbols

Kuwait Times

timea day ago

  • Kuwait Times

Kuwait officially bans raising foreign flags, sectarian symbols

Kuwait officially bans raising foreign flags, sectarian symbols New amendments aim to 'preserve public order, reinforce the duty of national allegiance' KUWAIT: Kuwait has introduced a new decree law effectively banning the raising of foreign flags and symbols representing religious, tribal, or social groups without prior approval from the Ministry of Interior. This new regulation, published on Sunday in the official gazette Kuwait Al-Youm, applies to both public and private occasions, including national holidays, celebrations, and regular days. The legislation, Decree Law No 73 of 2025, amends the existing Law No 26 of 1961 concerning the Kuwaiti national flag. Under this amended law, individuals are now prohibited from displaying any foreign national flag unless permission is granted. The only exceptions are during regional and international sports tournaments held in Kuwait and where such displays are in line with international conventions, such as those governing embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions. This decree also extends the ban to flags and symbols that represent religious sects, tribal affiliations, or social factions. This measure is described as a move intended to protect national unity and public order within the country. Ministers have been tasked with enforcing the law, which took effect immediately upon its publication in the official gazette. Stiff penalties introduced The new regulations come with a series of escalating penalties, with fines ranging from KD 1,000 to 10,000. Unauthorized display of foreign flags is punishable by up to six months in prison and a fine ranging from KD 1,000 to 2,000. Displaying sectarian or tribal flags or symbols carries a heavier sentence of up to three years in prison and fines of KD 2,000 to 10,000. Improper use of the Kuwaiti national flag, such as using it for commercial advertising or in a damaged state, is also penalized with up to one year in prison and fines between KD 300 and 2,000. All violations may result in confiscation of the flags or symbols, and repeat offenders will face doubled to public harmonyThe decree aims to close existing regulatory gaps regarding the display of foreign and symbolic flags. According to the law's explanatory memorandum, the legislation was introduced in response to repeated incidents where foreign and sectarian flags were displayed during public events and private gatherings — actions that officials warned could disrupt public harmony and weaken national identity.'The raising of certain foreign flags within the country during official celebrations may compromise public order,' the memorandum stated. It added that the law seeks to 'preserve public order, protect society, reinforce the duty of national allegiance, and safeguard national unity.'The government clarified that the law does not override existing international treaties that allow foreign embassies and diplomatic missions to display their national flags on their premises and vehicles.

Custody granted to mom despite age of children
Custody granted to mom despite age of children

Arab Times

timea day ago

  • Arab Times

Custody granted to mom despite age of children

KUWAIT CITY, June 10: The Family Court (Jaafari Circuit) ruled to grant a Kuwaiti woman the custody of her children, despite the children having reached the age at which custody is typically transferred to the father. The decision was based on the father's physical abuse of the children. The court also rejected the custody lawsuit filed by the father. Attorney Muhammad Safar submitted the request to transfer custody from his client's ex-husband to his client and sought a ruling requiring the father to pay two types of alimony - food and clothing - as well as nursery, housing rent, and furnishing expenses.

Gulf Air Thanks Kuwait for Support in Managing Flight Security Incident
Gulf Air Thanks Kuwait for Support in Managing Flight Security Incident

Arab Times

time3 days ago

  • Arab Times

Gulf Air Thanks Kuwait for Support in Managing Flight Security Incident

KUWAIT CITY, June 8: Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, confirmed that flight GF213, operating from Bahrain to Kuwait on June 8, 2025, experienced a disturbance involving a passenger, prompting the airline to implement security and precautionary measures in line with established protocols, according to the Bahrain News Agency. The airline stated that the situation was managed in full coordination with the relevant authorities in Kuwait. Upon landing at Kuwait International Airport, the passenger in question was detained by airport police, and all other passengers disembarked safely without incident. Gulf Air expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and emphasized that the safety of its passengers and crew remains its highest priority. The airline also extended its appreciation to the Kuwaiti authorities for their cooperation and professionalism in ensuring the incident was resolved efficiently and safely.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store