Connect with us

Politics

Over 60 under investigation for illegal crypto mining

Published

on

KUWAIT CITY, April 30:  The Commercial Affairs Prosecution at the New Justice Palace is currently investigating the unlicensed cryptocurrency mining case. A total of 60 individuals, including landlords who leased properties where the activities allegedly took place, are under scrutiny. According to the prosecution, the defendants are facing charges related to acts deemed harmful to national interests and the unauthorized operation of cryptocurrency mining facilities. The alleged activities are believed to violate regulations issued by Kuwait Municipality, the Public Authority for Industry, and the Communications Authority, particularly concerning energy usage and unauthorized consumption of State-supplied electricity. During the investigation, criminal reports and confiscated equipment were presented as evidence. However, the defendants denied the charges.

Kuwait’s Public Prosecution continues to investigate approximately 60 individuals involved in illicit cryptocurrency mining activities, with numbers expected to rise. The Cabinet has commended the outcomes of an extensive security operation conducted last Friday, overseen by Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar, and Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Abdullatif Al-Mishari. This campaign targeted numerous residences engaged in unauthorized cryptocurrency mining.​

The Cabinet emphasized that the operation is part of ongoing governmental efforts to combat unlawful activities, safeguard the electricity grid from illegal usage, and ensure public safety. Such unauthorized mining exploits electrical resources, leading to increased grid loads, power outages, and disruptions in residential, commercial, and service areas.​

The Public Prosecution, through the Commercial Affairs Prosecution, has ordered the continued detention of several suspects, including property owners who rented out their homes for mining purposes. Others have been released on bail of 500 Kuwaiti dinars. Investigators have confronted defendants with evidence of substantial deposits in their accounts, some amounting to 3,000–4,000 dinars daily, originating from unidentified sources. While charged with undermining national interests and engaging in unlicensed activities, many defendants have denied the allegations after being presented with criminal investigation reports linking them to the incidents and seized equipment.​

Sources informed Al-Rai that operations to identify cryptocurrency mining sites are ongoing, in coordination with relevant authorities. Searches are being conducted in areas including Wafra, Sabah Al-Ahmad, and Mutlaa, with no region excluded, even those in the interior. The Ministry of Electricity is disconnecting power to properties involved in mining activities, with reconnection contingent upon approval from the Ministry of Interior.​

Additionally, the Ministry of Electricity, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, is enforcing penalties for cryptocurrency mining activities based on regulations that impose an “absolute ban on all virtual asset/currency mining activities.” This ban was issued by the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, along with other relevant authorities such as the Central Bank, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Capital Markets Authority.

By Jaber Al-Hamoud

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff

Politics

Kuwait Seizes Mobile Vehicles, Generators in Ahmadi Road Sweep

Published

on

By

KUWAIT CITY, Jun 1: In a targeted effort to maintain public order and enforce municipal regulations, Kuwait’s Public Cleanliness and Road Occupancy Department in the Ahmadi Governorate has carried out a field campaign resulting in multiple violations and removals.

According to officials, the department issued 8 citations for road occupancy violations in the areas of Al-Sabahiya and Al-Riqqa. As part of the enforcement drive, authorities also removed 7 unauthorized mobile vehicles and 8 electric generators that were occupying public spaces without proper permits.

The campaign is part of ongoing efforts to preserve the aesthetic appearance of residential neighborhoods and ensure public pathways remain safe and accessible. Officials confirmed that inspections will continue in coordination with other departments to deter future violations and maintain compliance with municipal laws.

Continue Reading

Politics

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

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Politics

Kuwait Extradites Fugitive Musaed Al-Musaileem After 10 Years Abroad

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 SKUWAIT.COM .