KUWAIT CITY, May 1: The Ministry of Social Affairs, under the direction of Minister Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, has initiated investigations into dozens of financial and administrative auditors appointed to cooperative societies, following confirmed reports of financial misconduct and serious administrative violations. These actions come after several cooperative boards were dissolved, members dismissed, or referred to the General Authority for Combating Corruption (Nazaha).

The investigations, conducted by the Ministry’s Legal Affairs Sector, focus on whether any auditors were negligent — either intentionally or through oversight — or colluded in ways that harmed the financial standing of the cooperatives, undermined their solvency, or resulted in losses to shareholders' funds. Depending on the severity and nature of the violations, disciplinary actions may include salary deductions or dismissal from duties as cooperative auditors.

Sources from the ministry confirmed that these measures aim to ensure accountability and protect public interest. They emphasized that disciplinary actions will not be limited to staff within the cooperative sector but will apply to any employee found incompetent in addressing irregularities.

Auditors, who serve as the primary liaison between the Ministry and cooperative boards, play a crucial role in the decision-making process. The findings in their reports can lead to board dissolutions, member dismissals, or referrals to legal authorities. Therefore, the Ministry has underscored the need for complete accuracy and objectivity in all audit reports. Observers are expected to document violations with concrete evidence and take proactive measures, including the application of penalties under relevant laws and regulations, to prevent infractions before they escalate.

The Ministry highlighted that auditors are its "eyes" within the cooperatives, and their diligence upholds both legal and religious principles prioritizing the prevention of corruption. To reinforce transparency and enhance performance, the Ministry has organized training programs for auditors. These sessions aim to build legal expertise in report writing and equip auditors with tools to address violations effectively, ensuring high standards of competence and impartiality.

Additionally, the Ministry is in the process of referring several executive-level employees of cooperative societies to the judiciary after inspection reports confirmed their involvement in administrative and financial irregularities. These individuals, who hold various supervisory roles, will be held accountable irrespective of any cover provided by their respective boards of directors.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict oversight of cooperative societies through established mechanisms of monitoring, inspection, and follow-up. It affirmed that any party proven to have contributed to misconduct or the mismanagement of shareholders' funds will be referred to the judiciary without hesitation.