Court sentences three Egyptians to seven years for manipulating utility bills

Court finds defendants guilty of forging documents, accepting bribes

Last updated: July 22, 2025 | 06:11

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According to court documents, one of the defendants was employed as a data entry clerk at the Ministry of Electricity and Water’s service centre.

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Dubai: Kuwait’s Criminal Court has sentenced three Egyptians to seven years in prison for forging official documents and manipulating electricity and water bills, resulting in losses to public funds estimated at nearly KD1 million, according to Al Qabas Arabic daily.

The court found that the defendants had tampered with utility meters and falsified billing data for a businessman and two other Kuwaiti citizens, reducing or erasing charges in exchange for substantial bribes.

According to court documents, one of the defendants was employed as a data entry clerk at the Ministry of Electricity and Water’s service centre.

Also Read: Kuwait to spend $27b on utilities

Prosecutors said he conspired with the other two to exploit the ministry’s electronic system, forging consumption records and cancelling charges on behalf of clients who paid for the service illegally.

Also Read: Kuwait moves to recoup utility bills

The fraud was uncovered during an internal audit and referred to the Public Prosecution. The court convicted all three men of forgery, bribery, dereliction of official duty, and abuse of public office, and embezzlement of public funds.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.