Interior cracks down on online gambling, launches campaigns

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