All the effort I have put in throughout my life to protect my reputation and keep my word, while distancing myself from illicit greed and illegal acts, has not been in vain. I see the fruits of that effort every day in the peace of mind and comfort I feel. Undoubtedly, there are those who have manipulated their nationalities, altered their personal information, exploited their positions, and amassed wealth through illicit means.
These individuals are now waiting for someone to knock on their door and hand them a Public Prosecution arrest warrant. The profound peace of mind that I, as well as many others, feel did not come about by chance. It stems from distancing myself from everything that is morally, humanly, and legally wrong, and from an experience that dates back to 1965.
As a banker, merchant, contractor, board member of a bank and various companies both inside and outside Kuwait, and as the founder and president of a unique charitable organization, I have encountered countless experiences and heard many stories. I have witnessed events characterized by the bizarre and the frightening, the despicable and the thieving, as well as the chivalrous, compassionate, and kind.
One such story, despite its strangeness, is one I have deliberately avoided mentioning in my articles for years. It is a classic example of how some people amassed enormous fortunes that others like them could never have achieved through legitimate means. The story of the “Three Musketeers” illustrates how they successfully laid the foundations for their vast wealth. The first was a banker whose job involved facilitating loans, especially those backed by sound collateral. The second was an employee at the Ministry of Finance, while the third, the “dynamo” or mastermind behind the scheme, was the least wealthy and least reputable of the three, yet the most intelligent, energetic, and knowledgeable.
The story, or rather the “diabolical plan,” unfolded as follows: The third proposed purchasing a specific “investment” plot of land on a well-known street, with the second agreeing to pay the down payment. The two then approached the third, the manager, and requested a loan equal to the remaining cost of the land, using the property as collateral. Everything proceeded smoothly because banking transactions at the time often followed this practice. After the land was purchased, an agreement was reached for the bank to finance the construction through another loan.
The building plans and permits were completed in record time through well-known methods. Once the building reached a certain stage, the third party approached the relevant government agency and offered to lease the building to the state at a rent far exceeding the prevailing market rate. Thanks to the building’s location in a well-known investment and commercial area, its existing lease with a government entity, and the exceptionally lucrative rent, the building was sold at a price far exceeding its market value. The three partners then divided the profits among themselves. This process was repeated several times, enabling them to build substantial fortunes that eventually became enormous. Ironically, these same individuals speak proudly of honor and morality.
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