Latest news with #ZiadAl-Najem
Arab Times
26-03-2025
- Arab Times
Raffle Fraud Inquiry Deepens: Kuwait Blocks Suspects From Fleeing
KUWAIT CITY, March 26: Three suspects—a Ministry of Commerce employee, an Egyptian woman, and her husband—have been referred to the Public Prosecution. Meanwhile, security authorities continue their investigation into other individuals involved in the case. According to informed sources, the investigation into the raffle draw scam is expanding and will include all potential suspects, including ministry employees, raffle winners, and others. Anyone deemed necessary for the investigation will be summoned to provide testimony. Authorities are also monitoring and preventing any suspects from attempting to flee the country. While the Ministry of Commerce proceeds with its administrative actions, it is conducting a comprehensive review of past raffle draws and the list of winners from recent years. These actions include reassigning managers, canceling existing appointments, and providing official investigative bodies with a list of all individuals who have won multiple times, in preparation for summoning them for questioning. Ziad Al-Najem, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, stated "The manipulation of raffle coupons is not a new issue but rather a snowballing problem that has worsened over the years." Al-Najem further stated, "Out of a sense of moral responsibility, I have submitted my resignation. I cannot remain in my position while the ministry's image is tarnished." In his resignation letter, which was submitted to Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel, Al-Najem highlighted the severity of the situation. He described the manipulation of Kuwait Shopping Festival (Ya Hala) raffle results as revealing deep-rooted reform challenges within the ministry and underscoring the need to combat administrative corruption while promoting transparency and accountability. "We have taken swift legal action against those responsible," he wrote, "but the severity of this incident has damaged the ministry's reputation and negatively affected public trust," Al-Najem explained that his resignation stemmed from a sense of leadership responsibility and a desire to defend the efforts of the ministry's dedicated employees. He also pointed out the ministry's structural challenges, stating that "There are over 90 vacant supervisory positions, and all assistant undersecretary roles are currently filled through temporary assignments. This has significantly complicated our work." Despite these difficulties, Al-Najem noted several recent achievements, including the successful launch of the "smart license" initiative, which aims to improve the business environment.
Arab Times
24-03-2025
- Arab Times
Arrests made as Ya Hala raffle fraud suspicion grows
KUWAIT CITY, March 24: An Egyptian woman was arrested at Kuwait International Airport on Monday while attempting to leave the country, following suspicions surrounding her recent raffle win. According to security sources, the woman had transferred ownership of the prize — a car — to her husband, also of Egyptian nationality, before he rushed her to the airport in an apparent attempt to help her flee to Egypt. Further investigations revealed that she does not hold a driver's license, raising concerns about the legitimacy of her win. Her husband was also arrested earlier in the day for questioning regarding his potential involvement in the alleged fraud. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched an official investigation into suspected manipulation in one of the Kuwait Shopping Festival raffles, Al- Seyassah daily reported. Undersecretary Ziad Al-Najem has referred the case to the Public Prosecution for further examination. Sources revealed that the referral letter highlighted suspicions that a ministry representative may have manipulated the prize draw, an allegation that, if proven, could damage consumer trust and the credibility of such events. In response to the controversy circulating on social media, the ministry issued a statement confirming that it had taken immediate legal steps to verify the claims. It also announced the temporary suspension of prize distributions and is coordinating with relevant authorities to complete the investigation and audit process. The ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring the transparency and integrity of commercial raffles, emphasizing that it would take strict action against any violations that could undermine public confidence. Additionally, the Criminal Investigations Department has arrested an employee of the ministry in connection with the case. The suspect has been referred to the Public Prosecution as investigations continue. In light of the ongoing investigation, the management of the Ya Hala Kuwait Shopping Festival issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to transparency, integrity, and fairness in all its activities. The festival has temporarily suspended the distribution of prizes for the eighth raffle draw to verify its compliance with legal standards, in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The statement emphasized that all raffle draws are conducted under the supervision of the Ministry, with full participation from relevant government agencies. Ministry representatives oversee the entire raffle process independently, ensuring that the draws are free from external interference. To ensure full public accountability, all draws are documented and broadcast live on Kuwait's state television and streamed on the festival's YouTube channel, with coverage also provided across various news outlets and social media platforms. The festival management also pledged that upcoming draws will continue to adhere strictly to legal regulations and government guidelines. They called on authorities to take the strictest legal action against any attempt to undermine the process and stressed that these measures are essential to maintaining public trust and safeguarding the festival's esteemed reputation. In conclusion, the Ya Hala Festival management expressed gratitude to participants and the public for their trust, affirming that transparency, credibility, and fairness would always remain the core values of the Kuwait Shopping Festival. Meanwhile, The official spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Abdullah Al-Harz, reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to strengthening public and consumer trust. He emphasized that the recent suspicions surrounding one of the shopping festival's prize draws are unacceptable and that those responsible will be held accountable. To address these concerns, the Ministry has taken several internal measures as of Monday, March 24, 2025: Formation of a Fact-Finding Committee: Minister of Commerce and Industry, Khalifa Al-Ajeel, has issued a decision to establish a fact-finding committee to investigate violations related to previous prize draws. The committee will be led by Mr. Adnan Abel, Chairman of the Kuwait Lawyers Association. Management Reshuffle: Following the directives of His Excellency the Minister, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ziad Al-Najem, has ordered a rotation of managers within the Control and Consumer Protection Affairs Sector. Enhanced Oversight and Future Safeguards: A new committee has been formed to supervise all current and future prize draws and to develop improved systems and mechanisms to prevent any future irregularities. Additionally, the Minister of Commerce has submitted a referral to the Attorney General containing new information regarding the suspicions raised during the prize draws. This follows a previous referral the Ministry made to the Public Prosecution yesterday. In conclusion, Al-Harz stressed the Ministry's dedication to upholding the law by cooperating fully with security and investigative authorities. The Ministry will continue to provide updates and information to ensure that all necessary actions are taken to maintain and restore public confidence in its procedures and operations.
