KUWAIT: Head of the National Assembly panel probing suspected corruption in the Eurofighters and Caracals deals MP Adel Al-Damkhi said on Sunday the panel will submit its findings to the National Assembly before the end of the month. The panel was asked by the Assembly to investigate alleged irregularities and kickbacks in the two deals which together cost an estimated $9 billion. Members of the panel held meetings with senior military officials.

There were accusations about the inflated price of the Eurofighters and some technical problems with the Caracals. Damkhi said the aim of the investigation is to halt squandering of public funds in addition to saving lives of Kuwaiti military personnel. The lawmaker alleged that “some gangs” have attempted to interfere in the investigation and alter the findings of the committee, adding that the panel has reached “positive” results that will help stop squandering of public funds. He also charged that some senior officials who were suspended at the request of the panel have used fake accounts on social media to place obstacles in the face of the committee’s probe.

In the meantime, a number of MPs met on Sunday to arrange issues that should be given priority in the Assembly’s new term starting at the end of this month. MPs attending the meeting said it was broadly agreed that legislation that improve the standard of living of Kuwaiti citizens in addition to political reform bills should be given priority for debate by the Assembly.