Kuwait Enforces Media Ban Amidst Raffle Manipulation Investigation

Kuwait’s chief prosecutor has enacted a media ban on reporting about a raffle manipulation inquiry to avoid harm to national interests and individuals before convictions are established. Investigations have implicated multiple suspects in serious crimes including bribery and money laundering, with stolen valuables seized during the process. The prosecution will issue updates post-investigation.

Kuwait’s chief prosecutor has instituted a media ban on reporting related to confidential investigations concerning a significant raffle draw manipulation case. This measure is designed to mitigate the “negative impact” of media coverage on the inquiry and to protect national interests, as stated by the Kuwaiti public prosecution.

The ban aims to prevent harm to individuals and entities involved prior to establishing guilt, according to an official declaration. The public prosecution assures that updates will be provided once the investigations reach completion.

The controversy emerged last week following the circulation of a video on social media showing alleged manipulation of the raffle draw. The Interior Ministry identified the individual in the video as a Kuwaiti citizen who holds a leadership position within the Ministry of Commerce’s draws department.

Investigations unveiled that he used his authority to systematically tilt the raffle draws in favor of specific individuals, in exchange for financial benefits. The public prosecution indicated that their extensive investigations implicated six individuals, including five expatriates, in serious offenses such as document forgery, bribery, and facilitating the misappropriation of state funds.

Furthermore, the prosecution has issued arrest warrants for six suspects and three international warrants for individuals who have escaped the jurisdiction. The searches of the suspects’ residences uncovered a significant amount of items, such as gold jewelry, luxurious watches, and cash, believed to be related to the fraudulent activities.

Additionally, materials including documents, laptops, and mobile phones were confiscated, revealing substantive evidence of manipulation and forgery in the raffle draws. In a proactive measure, the public prosecution has mandated a freeze on the suspects’ financial accounts and is investigating their banking activities and transfers, while seeking transaction details from foreign exchange companies.

In summary, Kuwait’s chief prosecutor has imposed a media ban to protect national interests and individuals involved in the raffle scam investigation. The case has exposed serious criminal activities, including bribery and money laundering, linked to a high-profile raffle draw manipulation. As investigations progress, the public prosecution remains committed to providing updates while safeguarding the integrity of the judicial process.

Original Source: gulfnews.com