KUWAIT CITY, Nov 20: In a landmark ruling on cryptocurrency mining cases, the Criminal Court—presided over by Counselor Al-Dhuwaihi Mubarak Al-Dhuwaihi—has fined a Kuwaiti citizen 1000 dinars for operating an unlicensed cryptocurrency mining project and for using a residential property to house the operation.

The court, however, acquitted the defendant of allegations that he engaged in activities that could harm Kuwait’s national interests through cryptocurrency mining.

In its reasoning, the court affirmed that the defendant’s actions did not constitute any threat to national interests. It determined that the mining activity was confined entirely within a private facility, did not exceed its internal scope, and could not reasonably be expected to damage the state’s international reputation, weaken its standing, or adversely affect its political or financial stability.

The ruling further noted that the prosecution failed to prove the material elements of the alleged national-interest offense, and that criminal intent was also absent. Since the conduct did not amount to an act that could inherently cause harm or pose a danger, the legal basis for the charge was not satisfied. Accordingly, and in line with the principles of criminal legality, the court concluded that doubt remained and therefore ruled in favor of acquittal on that count.

At the same time, the court found the defendant guilty of engaging in prohibited industrial activity without a license. It confirmed that the seized mining devices had significantly increased the property’s electricity consumption in violation of Law No. 43 of 1964 and regulations governing residential energy use. The ruling emphasized that using a home for such activity constitutes a misuse of residential premises and imposes an undue burden on government-subsidized energy resources.