KUWAIT CITY, May 5: The Criminal Court, presided over by Counselor Nayef Al-Dahoum, has sentenced three customs inspectors and their accomplice to five years in prison and dismissed them from their positions for embezzling seized tobacco from air cargo at the airport. The court also imposed a fine of KD 19,530—twice the value of the stolen goods.

The inspectors, employed by the General Customs Administration, were found guilty of abusing their official positions to unlawfully remove confiscated tobacco from the Air Cargo Customs facility. They transported the goods to an apartment in Abu Halifa, rented by one of the defendants, where the items were hidden and stored. Authorities revealed that the group offered samples to potential buyers as they prepared to sell the goods for personal profit.

The case highlights growing concerns over corruption and abuse of power within public institutions and underscores ongoing efforts by Kuwaiti authorities to tighten oversight and accountability in government operations.