KUWAIT CITY, May 28: The Criminal Court has sentenced the chairman of a cooperative society and the head of its purchasing department to two years in prison with hard labor after convicting them of accepting a bribe.

The duo was arrested in late 2024 during a sting operation, where they were caught receiving a bribe from a representative of a vegetable supply company. According to investigation records, the officials had demanded 10% of the company’s monthly vegetable sales revenue in return for allowing continued display and sale of its products within the cooperative. The company reported the extortion attempt to the Ministry of Interior, leading to a carefully coordinated ambush and the arrest of both suspects.

KUWAIT CITY, May 28: The General Fire Force carried out an inspection campaign on Wednesday evening in the Shuwaikh Industrial Area to identify buildings and facilities that failed to comply with safety and fire prevention regulations. The operation led to the issuance of multiple violations and the administrative closure of several facilities that did not meet the required safety standards set by the Fire Force.

KUWAIT CITY, May 28: In a continued crackdown on financial crimes, the Financial Crimes Combating Department of Kuwait’s Criminal Security Sector has arrested a Nepalese national accused of involvement in a sophisticated bank fraud operation. The suspect was wanted in connection with two cases — No. 2253/2024 and No. 2234/2024 — both related to banking fraud.

Authorities uncovered the scam after discovering that the suspect had been purchasing bank cards and SIM cards from individuals within his community. During a precautionary search, officers seized eight bank cards and four SIM cards from his possession. Upon interrogation, he confessed to possessing additional items at his residence. A subsequent search led to the confiscation of 12 more bank cards, 16 SIM cards, and a number of bank documents and blank SIM cards. The suspect admitted that he supplied these cards to an accomplice who shipped them abroad for use in fraudulent schemes aimed at stealing money from unsuspecting victims.

The accused has been referred to the Public Prosecution, and legal action is underway. Investigations are being expanded, and authorities are coordinating with international counterparts to identify and apprehend additional suspects involved in the operation.