KUWAIT CITY, Mar 3:  In a stern ruling aimed at curbing online abuse and misinformation, the Criminal Court sentenced a man to 11 years in prison with hard labor and imposed a fine of KD 5,000 after convicting him of operating multiple fake social media accounts to spread rumors and insult citizens for financial gain.

A second defendant was handed a one-year prison sentence with hard labor and fined KD 2,000 for his role in the scheme. The verdict follows extensive investigations carried out by the Criminal Security Affairs Sector at the Ministry of Interior.

According to an official statement, the case unfolded after authorities received confidential intelligence indicating that the primary suspect was managing 16 fake accounts used to disseminate false news, circulate malicious rumors, and defame several citizens in exchange for money.

Security teams immediately launched a covert operation, gathering intelligence to identify the suspect, track his daily movements, monitor his residence, and document his means of transportation. After securing authorization from the Public Prosecution, officers moved in to arrest him at a shopping mall, in coordination with mall management. He was apprehended while accompanied by two individuals.

When confronted with the findings, the defendant confessed to running the fake accounts. Authorities seized multiple mobile phones allegedly used to operate the accounts and coordinate the activities.

Investigations further revealed that the convicted man collaborated with a second suspect of foreign nationality who resides outside the country. The two reportedly managed the fake accounts jointly, receiving payments in return for publishing defamatory content and fabricated reports.

The ruling sends a strong message that authorities will pursue and prosecute those who exploit digital platforms to harm others, emphasizing that online misconduct carries serious legal consequences.