Abu Dhabi: The Central Bank of Kuwait has circulated orders to all Kuwaiti and foreign banks to freeze the funds of the Iranian mastermind of a money laundering gang busted recently, Kuwait media reported.
The central bank demanded all banks operating in Kuwait to also freeze the Iranian defendant’s personal accounts, deposit accounts, and any other funds or securities deposited with these accounts or investment funds, or to be deposited in the future.
The central bank also requested from the banks to prevent the Iranian accused or his representatives from disposing or managing the accounts, in keeping with orders of the Attorney General, Dherar Al Asousi.
The central bank inquired a few days ago about the accounts and transactions of four people, including the Iranian accused, in addition to three Kuwaitis, in connection with money laundering, but it did not ask the banks to take any measures to freeze their money.
Informed sources told Al Rai the mastermind of the money laundering network holds Iranian nationality and among the accused are a number of Kuwaitis and Kurds.
Investigations revealed wide-ranging relations between the accused with others, who formed other subnets of suspicious financial operations, the sources said.
10 complaints
Kuwait’s Public Prosecution has received 10 complaints against five influencers after their bank accounts dramatically inflated. Warrants will be issued once state security intelligence is gathered.
The investigations also linked the Iranian mastermind of this network to a high profile defendant in the human trafficking and money laundering case involving Bangladeshi member of parliament, Mohammad Shahid Islam, taken in custody pending trial.
The common factor among these money laundering rings is luxury cars, watches, precious jewelry and yachts, which are one of the most important means to conceal money laundering operations.
Police confiscated several valuable assets including luxury and classic cars, motorbikes, expensive watches and jewellery, sums of money in different currencies, and boxes of alcoholic drinks.
Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, has addressed his concerns over attempts being made to portray Kuwait as a hotbed for corruption.
The Emir called upon the Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority to contain the spread of false accusations and unjust campaigns with regard to corruption in Kuwait.
