KUWAIT CITY, May 20: The Kuwait Anti- Corruption Authority (Nazaha) has issued a warning regarding delays by the concerned parties in submitting financial disclosure statements per Law No. 2/2016 within the legal deadlines, reports Al-Seyassah daily. It affirmed that these disclosures serve as a preventive measure to promote transparency, ensure oversight of public positions and their holders, and protect public funds.

On its X account, Nazaha explained that delaying the submission of the first disclosure after a warning, for more than 90 days, could result in a fine of at least KD 500, with the possibility of dismissal from the position. Failure to update the disclosure within the specified deadlines, if the delay exceeds 90 days after the warning, could result in a fine of up to KD 10,000, imprisonment for up to one year, and the potential for dismissal from the position. Delaying the submission of the final disclosure for more than 90 days could result in fines of up to KD 30,000 and imprisonment for up to three years. After the disclosures are submitted, the relevant inspection committees verify the accuracy of the data and prepare necessary reports. If there is any suspicion of illicit gain, the case is referred to the competent authorities for appropriate legal action.

It is worth noting that in February, the government announced amendments to Law No. 2/2016, which expanded the categories required to submit financial disclosures. These now include chairpersons and members of boards of directors of charitable and civil society organizations, executive directors, financial controllers, administrators in cooperative societies, members of legal departments in certain government agencies, and customs inspectors. The amendments also expanded the scope of corruption crimes to include the embezzlement of cooperative society funds, as well as the crimes already covered by the law. The goal is to protect shareholders’ funds and strengthen oversight of these societies.