Kuwait cracks down on corruption: 19 arrested in co-op society scandal

Suspects accused of accepting bribes from firms in exchange for prioritising products

Last updated: July 24, 2025 | 05:47

1 MIN READ

The arrests, carried out by the General Administration of Criminal Investigations and the Criminal Investigation and Licensing Department, are part of an ongoing government crackdown on corruption and misuse of public funds. Illustrative image.

IANS

Dubai: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has announced the arrest of 19 individuals involved in a wide-ranging corruption network that included members of cooperative society boards and the Union of Cooperative Societies, as well as officials from private commercial companies.

According to Al Qabas Arabic daily, the suspects are accused of accepting bribes from commercial firms in exchange for prioritising their products within local cooperatives — violations that contravene established policies and regulatory frameworks.

Investigations revealed that cooperative officials received illicit payments in return for giving certain products preferential shelf placement, in direct violation of cooperative society regulations.

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Investigators also uncovered that several companies and intermediaries had paid illicit cash sums to cooperative officials in return for illegal commercial advantages.

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Authorities also apprehended several individuals who acted as couriers for the funds. According to the Ministry, those detained confessed to the charges during questioning.

The suspects have since been referred to the Public Prosecution, and legal proceedings are underway. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the integrity of the country’s cooperative system, warning that any attempts to undermine public trust or harm national interests will be met with decisive action.

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.