KUWAIT CITY, Sept 1: The Court of Cassation upheld the ruling of lower court that sentenced a Syrian businessman to 10 years in prison and fined him KD 3 million in a real estate fraud case. Case files indicate that some citizens purchased hotel apartments in Makkkah; but it was later discovered that these are fictitious properties, so the citizens filed lawsuits. Attorney Ali Al-Attar from the Mishari Al-Asimi Law Office considers the ruling one of the most important court decisions in terms of restoring the rights of citizens who were victims of real estate fraud. Al-Attar called on government agencies to hold accountable the Kuwaiti partners who own companies that were used as a tool to commit crimes and steal citizens’ money. He pointed out that the role of a Kuwaiti partner in any company is not limited to making profits; as he must monitor the company’s activities, the work of its employees and the movement of funds. If he fails to do so, he must be held accountable and obligated to pay compensation.