Kuwait’s Criminal Court has sentenced nine people to imprisonment and imposed multi-million-dinar fines after convicting them of running an illegal online gambling network and laundering its proceeds. The ruling also penalised a company linked to the scheme and ordered its closure, following an investigation led by the Ministry of Interior. Authorities note the case highlights the risks posed by illegal online gambling to the country’s financial system and recommend a tougher stance on organised cyber-enabled crime.
Kuwait Imprisons Nine for Illegal Gambling and Money Laundering: Quick Summary
- Kuwait’s Criminal Court sentenced 9 people to seven years in prison and fined them KD 1 million (approximately €2.73 million) each for running an illegal online gambling operation. A company linked to the case was fined KD 1.839 million (roughly €5 million).
- Investigators found that gambling proceeds were routed through bank accounts connected to a medical clinic and several businesses. The funds were falsely recorded as legitimate income and later transferred abroad.
- The Ministry of Interior stated that the case reflects ongoing efforts to combat organised crime and protect the financial system. Authorities warned that participating in illegal gambling is a criminal offence and pledged strict enforcement against digital financial crimes.
Court Issues Prison Terms and Heavy Financial Penalties
Kuwait’s Criminal Court ruled that nine defendants would serve seven years in prison and pay fines of KD 1 million (approximately €2.73 million) each for their role in the operation. The case centred on what authorities described as an organised ring running an illegal online gambling site and laundering money through business fronts.
The judge also imposed a fine exceeding KD 1.839 million (approximately €5 million) on a company connected to the scheme and ordered its immediate shutdown. The court further directed that the verdict be published in the official gazette to ensure public awareness.
Investigations revealed that the company played a pivotal role in facilitating financial transfers linked to online gambling. Officials traced gambling profits moving through accounts tied to a medical clinic and several commercial entities. They said the funds were recorded as legitimate business income before being recycled and transferred abroad.
The Ministry of Interior stated that these methods were used to conceal the unlawful source of the money and reintegrate it into the financial system. It described the investigation as part of a sustained security effort to dismantle organised crime. Officials said the operation exposed how remote gambling can feed broader financial crimes.
The probe followed a series of security sweeps to protect Kuwait’s economic structure from criminal exploitation. The enforcement came just months after its neighbour, the UAE, regulated online gambling. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the national gambling regulator, approved a “one licence per emirate” framework, similar to that of land-based gambling.
Authorities Warn Against Illegal Online Gambling
The Ministry of Interior said the convictions demonstrate a strict approach toward penalising digital platforms used for illegal activity. Officials warned that engaging with illegal gambling websites constitutes a criminal offence under Kuwaiti law.
The ministry added that it would pursue maximum legal action against anyone using online tools to undermine financial stability. Authorities noted that they would continue monitoring applications and platforms where illegal betting operations may emerge.
The ministry emphasised that public awareness forms part of its strategy to reduce participation in such schemes. Officials framed the case as a message that organised networks mixing gambling and laundering would face decisive legal action.
The verdict closes a lengthy investigation and establishes a strong judicial response to online gambling crimes tied to money laundering. Kuwaiti authorities stated that the case reinforces their commitment to safeguarding the financial system and deterring similar crimes in the future.