KUWAIT CITY, Oct 28: The Public Prosecution has announced the completion of its investigations into one of the largest financial crimes in recent years — a complex case involving the manipulation of commercial raffles, bribery, forgery, and money laundering. Seventy-three defendants have now been referred to the Criminal Court to face charges.

According to an official statement, the investigation uncovered a large-scale scheme that tampered with 110 commercial raffles conducted under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry between 2021 and 2025. These raffles offered prizes including vehicles, cash, and in-kind gifts valued at KD 1.244 million.

The case, registered as No. (947/2025) under the Capital Prosecution Office and No. (144/2025) in the Money Laundering Office, revealed that a coordinated criminal network had systematically rigged the draws to unlawfully seize prizes.

The Public Prosecution stated that a specialized team of prosecutors, appointed by the Attorney General, led the investigation in collaboration with relevant authorities. The team examined financial records, technical data, and legal evidence to uncover the full scope of the crimes.

Investigations exposed an organized criminal group that exploited its official positions and weak oversight mechanisms to manipulate raffle results for personal gain. The network used forged documents and falsified electronic records to conceal its actions. In several cases, fabricated waivers were used to transfer prizes to individuals who had paid bribes or commissions to participate in the fraudulent scheme.

According to the prosecution, these illicit gains were later funneled through multiple financial channels in an attempt to disguise their illegal origins — a deliberate act of money laundering designed to evade regulatory scrutiny.

The investigation confirmed that the manipulation was not random but highly coordinated, involving clear planning, division of roles, and intent to defraud. The perpetrators’ goal was to unlawfully seize raffle prizes through deception, undermining the principles of fairness and transparency that govern such public draws.

Upon completing the investigation, prosecutors gathered conclusive evidence demonstrating the unity of criminal purpose among the defendants. As a result, 73 individuals have been referred to the Criminal Court on charges of bribery, mediation, forgery of official and electronic documents, and money laundering.

In its efforts to recover the illegal proceeds, the Public Prosecution has seized assets worth KD 1.174 million, including both cash and in-kind funds, pending the necessary legal actions as provided by law.

The Public Prosecution reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice, emphasizing its dedication to transparency and accountability. The statement concluded:

“The Public Prosecution remains steadfast in protecting rights, enforcing the law, and promoting integrity and neutrality — principles that strengthen public trust and reinforce the stability of the state and society.”