Politics

Arrests made as Ya Hala raffle fraud suspicion grows

Published

5 months ago

March 24, 2025

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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.

Related Topics:Arrests fraud grows Hala Raffle suspicion

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KD 350–900 Charged for Illegal Kuwait Visa Renewals and Transfers

Published

2 minutes ago

August 13, 2025

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KUWAIT CITY, Aug 13: In a major crackdown on residency trafficking, the General Department of Residence Affairs Investigations has arrested a Pakistani national and several others accused of issuing illegal residency permits in exchange for money. The operation was carried out under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah.

Investigations revealed that the main suspect, identified as Shahbaz Hussain Allah Rakha, was registered under Noor Al-Kawthar General Trading and Contracting Company and acted as a representative for 19 companies, managing nine of them under agency agreements. A total of 150 workers were registered under these companies, owned by Munifa Omar Al-Enezi.

Authorities found that individuals had paid between KD 350 and KD 900 to the suspect to renew or transfer their residency illegally, despite not working for the companies under his name. The accused admitted to completing the transactions himself using the credentials of the Public Authority for Manpower and the Ministry of Interior, without the company owner’s involvement.

All suspects have been referred to the competent authorities for legal action. The Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the Public Authority for Manpower, has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying inspections, rooting out residency trafficking, and enforcing strict legal measures against offenders.

Politics

MoCI shuts salons, tyre shops, café for violations

Published

1 hour ago

August 13, 2025

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KUWAIT CITY, Aug 13: The Commercial Control Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry launched intensive inspection campaigns targeting commercial establishments, resulting in the closure of 13 establishments, including beauty salons, used car tyre shops and a café. Director of the department Faisal Al-Ansari stressed that the ministry has never been lenient towards those who violate the regulations and laws. He revealed to the newspaper that inspection teams recorded serious violations, resulting in the closure of five women’s salons that used expired cosmetics and violation reports were issued against them.

He added the inspection teams closed five domestic worker recruitment offices, two used car tyre shops and one café for failure to comply with decisions and regulations. He said the department is keen on pursuing anyone who dares to violate the laws by intensifying inspection campaigns throughout the country; such that inspection campaigns will be carried out in industrial plots in the coming days to monitor the plots belonging to the ministry and take the necessary measures against violators.

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff

Politics

10 expat workers found dead in Ahmadi, alcohol poisoning suspected

Published

11 hours ago

August 13, 2025

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10 expat workers found dead in Ahmadi, alcohol poisoning suspected

Alcohol poisoning suspected in deaths of 10 expatriate workers in Ahmadi.

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 13: A security source revealed to a local daily that 10 expatriate workers were found dead across 10 separate incidents in Ahmadi Governorate. According to the source, initial investigations suggest that alcohol poisoning may be the cause of death in all cases.

The Ministry of Interior is reportedly looking into the circumstances surrounding these deaths, as all the victims were expatriates working in the area. Further details on the investigation are awaited.