Kuwait has imposed a media ban on reporting investigations into a raffle draw manipulation scandal. This ban aims to prevent negative media impact and protect national interests. Investigations have revealed serious crimes involving several suspects, and authorities are actively pursuing those involved, including freezing assets linked to the fraud.
Kuwait’s chief prosecutor has instituted a media ban regarding confidential investigations into a significant raffle draw manipulation scandal that has recently emerged. This decision aims to mitigate any potential “negative impact” that media coverage might have on the inquiry and the country’s national interests, as conveyed by the Kuwaiti public prosecution in an official statement.
The measure is also intended to safeguard individuals and entities from undue harm prior to any proven convictions. The prosecution has promised to release updates to the media upon the completion of the investigative process.
The case gained traction last week following a viral video on social media depicting alleged manipulation during the raffle draw. The Interior Ministry identified the individual in the clip as a Kuwaiti national holding a managerial position within the draws department of the Ministry of Commerce. Investigations revealed that he misused his authority to fabricate draws, diverting prizes to select individuals in return for monetary compensation.
Further inquiries indicated that six individuals, encompassing five expatriates, engaged in “serious crimes” such as document forgery, bribery, state fund misappropriation, and money laundering, which have significantly jeopardized national interests, according to the public prosecution. The authorities have executed numerous arrest and search warrants for these individuals as well as international warrants for those who have absconded from the country.
Raids on the suspects’ properties uncovered valuable items, including jewelry, luxury watches, and cash, which are believed to be associated with the fraud. The prosecutors also seized documents and electronic devices containing critical evidence relating to the manipulation and forgery of the raffle draws. Furthermore, the public prosecution has imposed a freeze on the suspects’ accounts in both local and international banks while also investigating their financial activities and requesting reports from forex companies detailing their transactions.
Kuwait has enacted a media ban concerning investigations into a serious raffle draw manipulation case to protect national interests and prevent bias against those involved before formal charges are made. The inquiry has revealed multiple individuals engaged in criminal activities, prompting swift legal action, including arrests and the seizure of valuable assets connected to the fraud. Further developments will be shared with the public upon conclusion of the investigations.
Original Source: gulfnews.com
