KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has announced the arrest of an international network involved in online gambling and the illegal transfer of its profits from abroad. The General Department of Criminal Investigation said the case began after authorities obtained intelligence on the network’s activities via social media. A dedicated investigation team executed a field operation that led to the arrest of seven suspects of two Arab nationalities linked to managing these illicit operations.

Investigations revealed that the network used companies as fronts, including general trade businesses, delivery services, health salons, and clothing and perfume shops, to facilitate money laundering. Transfers from abroad were reportedly conducted in sums of KD 25,000 (about $82,500) or less and reintroduced through unofficial channels. The total amount seized and traced through the network reached KD 153,837 (around $507,600). All suspects, along with seized funds and implicated companies, were referred to the Public Prosecution, following coordination with the Money Prosecution. The MoI stressed its ongoing commitment to combating organized crime in all forms and ensuring the law is applied to all without exception..

In a separate operation, the Criminal Security Sector led an extensive campaign in Al-Dajeej, Farwaniya Governorate, in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Fire Force, Kuwait Municipality and Public Authority of Manpower. Overseen by Assistant Undersecretary for Public Security Affairs Major General Hamed Al-Dawas, the campaign resulted in the arrest of 63 individuals for various violations, including labor law breaches, lack of proper documentation and expired work visas. Multiple violations were also issued by participating agencies, including 76 by the Fire Force, 38 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and numerous notices and warnings by the Municipality and Public Authority of Manpower.

Additionally, a security and traffic campaign in Sabah Al-Salem, supervised by Acting Undersecretary Major General Ali Al-Adwani, targeted wanted individuals and violators of residency, work and traffic laws. The MoI said these efforts are part of ongoing initiatives to maintain public safety, enhance traffic discipline and uphold the rule of law fairly across the country. The Ministry affirmed the continuation of security operations nationwide, emphasizing that violators will be pursued and the law enforced without exception. — KUNA

KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah visited the Sabah Al Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity (SACGC) on Friday to review the center’s latest programs and initiatives supporting talented and creative Kuwaitis, the center said in a statement to KUNA. SACGC, a leading national platform in the fields of science, innovation and technology, has registered over 520 invention patents in global markets and achieved a 20 percent increase in commercialization rates, the statement added. T

he center, a subsidiary of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), has also forged strategic partnerships with prominent institutions to further enhance innovation and scientific advancement in the country. — KUNA

GENEVA: Kuwait’s permanent delegation to the United Nations in Geneva has reaffirmed the country’s steadfast commitment to promoting and protecting human rights and its full cooperation with all mechanisms of the Human Rights Council. The statement was delivered by Second Secretary Dr Nada Al-Dhubaib during an interactive dialogue on the report of the UN High Commissioner, held under the third item of the agenda of the Council’s 60th session.

Dr Al-Dhubaib highlighted Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to advance human rights through the implementation of its National Development Plan, New Kuwait 2035, which focuses on building a diversified and sustainable economy, empowering women and youth, promoting social justice, and improving education and healthcare services.

She also noted Kuwait’s initiatives to support small and medium enterprises, broaden social protection and ensure equal opportunities for all segments of society. Dr Al-Dhubaib emphasized that economic, social, and cultural rights are inseparable from civil and political rights, stressing the need for a fair international environment grounded in multilateral cooperation, respect for international law and non-politicization of human rights issues. — KUNA