KUWAIT: The ministry of interior, in coordination with the ministry of commerce and industry, dismantled on Monday a fraudulent network involved in rigging prize draws. According to an official interior ministry statement, investigations led to the identification of an individual seen in a viral social media video manipulating raffle draw results. The Kuwaiti citizen, head of the draws department at the commerce ministry, was found to have exploited his position to systematically alter results in favor of specific individuals in exchange for financial gains.

Authorities revealed that the network had systematically orchestrated fraudulent activities across multiple prize draws. Among the beneficiaries were an Arab woman and her husband, who won several prizes through these manipulations. Security teams, upon obtaining legal authorization, arrested the Kuwaiti official along with the couple as they attempted to flee the country.

During questioning, the woman admitted to being recruited into the scheme through her husband, who had connections with a colleague who encouraged their participation.

The statement further disclosed that two other suspects — the husband’s colleague and a Caribbean national — had already left Kuwait on March 1 and March 23 respectively. Efforts are underway to pursue them through Interpol. Authorities confirmed that additional winners are under investigation for similar fraudulent activities. The interior ministry reaffirmed its commitment to combating corruption and ensuring strict legal action against those involved in manipulating laws and regulations.

In response to the scandal, the Central Bank of Kuwait has instructed local banks to suspend upcoming draws until a thorough review of their evaluation processes is completed. The Central Bank announced on Tuesday plans to reassess these products and implement new conditions “to guarantee the highest level of transparency”.