KUWAIT CITY: An expatriate has been referred to authorities after being accused of breaching trust and misappropriating company property, including a 75-inch television and two iPhones, which he allegedly sold before replacing them with lower-quality alternatives.

According to a security source, the company lodged a formal complaint at Keifan police station through its lawyer, accusing the former employee of tampering with assets entrusted to him during his employment, which ended after his contract expired.

The source explained that three years ago, the employee had been entrusted with an American-made vehicle, a 75-inch Korean-brand television, two iPhones, and a SIM card as part of his official duties. While he returned some items after leaving the company, discrepancies soon emerged: the original television was swapped for a 32-inch Chinese-made model, the two iPhones were replaced with Galaxy phones, and the vehicle sustained damage estimated at KD 600, including the need for a complete repaint.

Investigations reportedly confirmed that the expatriate had sold the original TV and iPhones, prompting the company to take legal action. The case was subsequently referred to the Criminal Investigation Department, where the accused appeared voluntarily. When confronted, he admitted possession of the company vehicle for three years but downplayed the damage, describing the scratches as “normal” wear and tear from loading and unloading heavy metal equipment.

The source added that initial investigations clearly established the accused’s involvement, and the case has now been handed over to the relevant authorities for further legal proceedings.

Authorities warned all individuals entrusted with company equipment that tampering, damaging, or selling assets is strictly prohibited. “Any equipment provided for official duties is a trust and must be preserved. Violating this trust can result in legal action if the company insists on its rights,” the source said.