Kuwait is intensifying its investigation into the controversial ‘Ya Hala’ shopping festival raffle, with authorities now scrutinizing draws conducted since 2015. Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Abdullah Al-Ajeel Al-Askar briefed the Cabinet on the legal measures taken, confirming that the case has been referred to the Public Prosecution. A committee is reviewing past draws by banks and commercial enterprises to determine their legality, and an online platform will be launched for public complaints regarding suspicious activities.
The Public Prosecution has detained a citizen and five residents for crimes including forgery, bribery, money laundering, and embezzlement. Investigators uncovered that a ministry official manipulated weekly raffles in collaboration with other defendants, some of whom fled the country. Arrest warrants have been issued for six suspects, including three international warrants. Authorities seized large quantities of valuables, cash, documents, and digital evidence linked to the fraud.
Lawyer Mohammed Al-Jassim, representing affected individuals, has called for a freeze on the defendants’ bank accounts and a detailed review of financial transactions. He has also urged authorities to cross-check past raffle winners with the accused to uncover potential fraud links. The investigation is expanding as new leads emerge, with officials determined to hold all perpetrators accountable.
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