KUWAIT CITY, May 10: A civilian employee working at a Kuwaiti port has been referred to the Public Prosecution by the Criminal Security Sector for allegedly facilitating the illegal departure of individuals who were legally banned from leaving the country. The accused reportedly accepted payments of KD 500 in exchange for using his position to smuggle wanted persons out of Kuwait.

According to a security source, detectives received credible intelligence that the employee was routinely assisting individuals facing travel bans. To confirm the allegations, authorities deployed an undercover source who was himself banned from travel. The source contacted the suspect, who then used his position to enable the source’s passage through the port—providing authorities with the evidence they needed to arrest him.

Upon his arrest and during interrogation, the accused admitted to the charges. He claimed that his actions were driven by humanitarian motives and expressed confidence that those he helped would eventually return to the country. Despite his justification, officials consider his conduct a serious breach of duty and national security.

The source emphasized that the Ministry of Interior, through the Criminal Security Sector, remains vigilant against any misuse of public office and is committed to taking firm action against those who undermine the law.

The Public Prosecution is continuing its investigation and is expected to summon individuals who benefited from the illegal travel arrangements facilitated by the accused. An inventory of all those who were aided in bypassing travel restrictions is currently underway.

Kuwait Fire Force team at the scene.

KUWAIT CITY, May 10: Firefighters successfully brought a basement fire under control at a printing press in the Shuwaikh Industrial Area on Saturday morning, according to the Kuwait Fire Force.

Teams from the Shuwaikh Industrial and Al-Shaheed fire stations responded promptly to the incident. Upon arrival, they launched firefighting operations to suppress the blaze and prevent it from spreading beyond the basement level.

Authorities confirmed that no serious injuries were reported as a result of the fire.

KUWAIT CITY, May 10: The Misdemeanor Appeals Court has overturned a previous conviction sentencing a woman to one year in prison with hard labor on charges of fraud and practicing witchcraft. The court instead acquitted her of all charges, citing insufficient evidence and flawed procedures.

The case stemmed from allegations by the Public Prosecution that the woman had defrauded multiple individuals by claiming to possess supernatural powers, including the ability to predict the future. She reportedly charged 300 Kuwaiti dinars per session and allegedly operated out of her private residence.

According to testimony from an officer with the Anti-Money Laundering Crimes Department, the investigation began following a tip-off from a confidential source. Acting on a prosecution warrant, detectives staged a sting operation using marked cash. After a session was conducted inside the defendant’s home and payment was exchanged, authorities raided the premises. During the search, items suspected of being used in sorcery were recovered, including a dried seahorse, paper talismans, bullets, incense, stones, herbs, and marked money.

In her defense, attorney Enaam Haidar argued that the search and arrest were procedurally invalid, the evidence lacked credibility, and the case was based on speculative accusations. She also emphasized her client’s consistent denial of the charges throughout the investigation. After reviewing the case, the Appeals Court concluded that the prosecution had failed to establish criminal intent or provide concrete proof of fraudulent activity, resulting in a full acquittal.