Kuwait Cracks Down On Corruption: 19 Arrested In Co-Op Society Scandal
According to Al Qabas Arabic daily, the suspects are accused of accepting bribes from commercial firms in exchange for prioritising their products within local cooperatives — violations that contravene established policies and regulatory frameworks.
Investigations revealed that cooperative officials received illicit payments in return for giving certain products preferential shelf placement, in direct violation of cooperative society regulations.
The arrests, carried out by the General Administration of Criminal Investigations and the Criminal Investigation and Licensing Department, are part of an ongoing government crackdown on corruption and misuse of public funds.
Investigators also uncovered that several companies and intermediaries had paid illicit cash sums to cooperative officials in return for illegal commercial advantages.
Authorities also apprehended several individuals who acted as couriers for the funds. According to the Ministry, those detained confessed to the charges during questioning.
The suspects have since been referred to the Public Prosecution, and legal proceedings are underway. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the integrity of the country's cooperative system, warning that any attempts to undermine public trust or harm national interests will be met with decisive action.
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