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Arrests made as Ya Hala raffle fraud suspicion grows

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KUWAIT CITY, March 24: An Egyptian woman was arrested at Kuwait International Airport on Monday while attempting to leave the country, following suspicions surrounding her recent raffle win. According to security sources, the woman had transferred ownership of the prize — a car — to her husband, also of Egyptian nationality, before he rushed her to the airport in an apparent attempt to help her flee to Egypt. Further investigations revealed that she does not hold a driver’s license, raising concerns about the legitimacy of her win. Her husband was also arrested earlier in the day for questioning regarding his potential involvement in the alleged fraud.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched an official investigation into suspected manipulation in one of the Kuwait Shopping Festival raffles, Al- Seyassah daily reported. Undersecretary Ziad Al-Najem has referred the case to the Public Prosecution for further examination. Sources revealed that the referral letter highlighted suspicions that a ministry representative may have manipulated the prize draw, an allegation that, if proven, could damage consumer trust and the credibility of such events.

In response to the controversy circulating on social media, the ministry issued a statement confirming that it had taken immediate legal steps to verify the claims. It also announced the temporary suspension of prize distributions and is coordinating with relevant authorities to complete the investigation and audit process. The ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring the transparency and integrity of commercial raffles, emphasizing that it would take strict action against any violations that could undermine public confidence.

Additionally, the Criminal Investigations Department has arrested an employee of the ministry in connection with the case. The suspect has been referred to the Public Prosecution as investigations continue. In light of the ongoing investigation, the management of the Ya Hala Kuwait Shopping Festival issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to transparency, integrity, and fairness in all its activities. The festival has temporarily suspended the distribution of prizes for the eighth raffle draw to verify its compliance with legal standards, in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The statement emphasized that all raffle draws are conducted under the supervision of the Ministry, with full participation from relevant government agencies. Ministry representatives oversee the entire raffle process independently, ensuring that the draws are free from external interference.

To ensure full public accountability, all draws are documented and broadcast live on Kuwait’s state television and streamed on the festival’s YouTube channel, with coverage also provided across various news outlets and social media platforms. The festival management also pledged that upcoming draws will continue to adhere strictly to legal regulations and government guidelines. They called on authorities to take the strictest legal action against any attempt to undermine the process and stressed that these measures are essential to maintaining public trust and safeguarding the festival’s esteemed reputation. In conclusion, the Ya Hala Festival management expressed gratitude to participants and the public for their trust, affirming that transparency, credibility, and fairness would always remain the core values of the Kuwait Shopping Festival.

Meanwhile, The official spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Abdullah Al-Harz, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening public and consumer trust. He emphasized that the recent suspicions surrounding one of the shopping festival’s prize draws are unacceptable and that those responsible will be held accountable.

To address these concerns, the Ministry has taken several internal measures as of Monday, March 24, 2025:

Formation of a Fact-Finding Committee:
Minister of Commerce and Industry, Khalifa Al-Ajeel, has issued a decision to establish a fact-finding committee to investigate violations related to previous prize draws. The committee will be led by Mr. Adnan Abel, Chairman of the Kuwait Lawyers Association.

Management Reshuffle:
Following the directives of His Excellency the Minister, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ziad Al-Najem, has ordered a rotation of managers within the Control and Consumer Protection Affairs Sector.

Enhanced Oversight and Future Safeguards:
A new committee has been formed to supervise all current and future prize draws and to develop improved systems and mechanisms to prevent any future irregularities.

Additionally, the Minister of Commerce has submitted a referral to the Attorney General containing new information regarding the suspicions raised during the prize draws. This follows a previous referral the Ministry made to the Public Prosecution yesterday.

In conclusion, Al-Harz stressed the Ministry’s dedication to upholding the law by cooperating fully with security and investigative authorities. The Ministry will continue to provide updates and information to ensure that all necessary actions are taken to maintain and restore public confidence in its procedures and operations.

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Horror in Kuwait’s Al-Reggai: Residents Jump from Building as Fire Kills 5

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KUWAIT CITY, Jun 1: A devastating fire broke out in a building in the Al-Reggai area early Sunday, resulting in the deaths of five people and injuries to 15 others, who suffered burns ranging from moderate to severe. Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control.

Authorities are currently working to confirm the exact number of casualties and to investigate the cause and circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to a source from the fire brigade, the scene bore similarities to the recent Mangaf fire, with some residents leaping from upper floors in an attempt to escape. Three charred bodies were recovered from the site. The General Fire Force released an official statement, confirming that firefighting teams from the Shuwaikh Industrial and Ardiya Centers, along with Search and Rescue units, responded to the fire. It had engulfed two apartments in the building. The teams successfully extinguished the flames and handed the site over to the appropriate authorities. The incident resulted in three confirmed fatalities and multiple injuries, with some victims treated on-site and others transported to nearby hospitals.

The Public Relations and Media Department of the General Fire Force has urged building and property owners to comply with fire safety regulations and ensure that external walkways remain clear of obstructions to safeguard lives and property.

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Kuwait Extradites Fugitive Musaed Al-Musaileem After 10 Years Abroad

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KUWAIT CITY, May 31: After a decade on the run, fugitive Musaed Al-Musaileem was extradited to Kuwait on Friday evening, following his arrest by Malaysian authorities based on an international warrant issued through Interpol. He arrived in Kuwait aboard a Kuwait Airways flight via Doha, where the plane made a brief transit stop.

Kuwaiti security forces took custody of Al-Musaileem upon his arrival at Kuwait International Airport, completing all detention procedures. Authorities have since begun formal investigations in preparation for his trial.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef issued a stern warning to those living abroad who engage in activities aimed at harming Kuwait. He cautioned that such individuals will inevitably return, but with disgrace, unable to stand with dignity among their fellow citizens.

Sheikh Al-Yousef said, “Those who left Kuwait and believed that distance gave them the license to attack, fabricate, and harm must now reflect on their actions. They should consider the fate of those who came before them. There is no escaping justice.”

He continued, “There is a stark difference between someone who returns to their homeland with honor, with knowledge, a degree, or a prestigious award  and one who returns in shame, having betrayed their country and attacked its people and leaders.”

The minister also highlighted Kuwait’s continued support and generosity toward its citizens and expats, expressing dismay at those who choose to overlook or disparage these efforts. “Justice stands above all, and the arm of the law is long. Anyone who thought Kuwait was an easy target will discover, sooner or later, that Kuwait does not forget those who harm it,” he said.

Reiterating his message, Sheikh Al-Yousef concluded with a warning to those who have strayed: “You will return… but do not return with a black face.”

Al-Musaileem, who fled Kuwait in 2015, has been sentenced to over 30 years in prison across six separate cases. Notably, his name had been included in the 2023 amnesty list — an opportunity he declined, choosing instead to remain in exile.

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Tragedy Strikes as Two Domestic Workers Attempt Suicide in Kuwait

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KUWAIT CITY, May 31: In a tragic incident, a domestic worker was found dead after reportedly hanging himself inside a stable in the Mina Abdullah area.

According to a security source, the worker’s sponsor contacted the Ministry of Interior after being unable to reach him since the day before. Upon visiting the stable, the sponsor discovered the worker had taken his own life by hanging in his room. Security forces, forensic experts, and a representative from the Public Prosecution arrived at the scene. Authorities have opened a case and assigned detectives to carry out the necessary investigations.

In a separate incident, another domestic worker, holding residency under Article 20, attempted suicide by cutting her wrist at her sponsor’s home in the Fahaheel area. A security source reported that the sponsor’s wife alerted authorities after discovering the worker had injured herself. She was immediately transferred to Al-Adan Hospital for medical care. An investigation has been launched to determine the reasons behind her suicide attempt. Preliminary information suggests that the worker may face deportation.

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