KUWAIT CITY, Sep 19: As part of its ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and money laundering, the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Criminal Security Affairs Sector, announced that investigators in Hawalli Governorate have successfully dismantled an international network involved in managing illegal online gambling activities and laundering the proceeds within Kuwait.

According to the General Department of Criminal Investigations, the case unfolded after authorities received intelligence regarding the group’s activity on social media platforms. A specialized investigation team was quickly formed, which developed and executed a strict surveillance and field plan to track the suspects.

The operation resulted in the arrest of seven individuals, six Egyptians and one Syrian, who were directly linked to the network’s illicit activities. Investigations revealed that the group was running online gambling operations and channeling the profits into Kuwait through unlawful means.

Authorities further uncovered that the network had been using several legitimate businesses as cover, including delivery companies, health salons, clothing outlets, and perfume shops. These entities served as fronts to disguise their operations and move money under the guise of legal trade and services.

The money laundering scheme relied on a key associate residing in Turkey, who regularly transferred amounts of KD 25,000 or less to avoid detection. These funds were then funneled into Kuwait through unofficial channels, where they were distributed in cash among participants in the scheme. In total, the network is believed to have laundered and circulated KD 153,837.25.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that coordination was carried out with the Financial Prosecution, and all seven suspects, along with the seized funds, case documents, and the implicated companies, have been referred to the Public Prosecution for legal proceedings.

In a statement, the Ministry emphasized its determination to combat organized crime in all forms, reiterating that no one is above the law. It stressed that it will continue to pursue and arrest anyone who attempts to undermine the country’s security or exploit its resources for illegal purposes.