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Kuwait: A criminal court of Kuwait has issued severe sentences in a major corruption case involving the manipulation of commercial prize draws, convicting dozens of defendants and imposing lengthy prison terms and substantial fines.<\/strong><\/p>\n The Criminal Court, chaired by Judge Nasser Al-Badr, sentenced 19 defendants, including the main accused, a senior employee at the Ministry of Trade and Industry and head of the Free Offers Department to 10 years in prison.<\/p>\n The court also imposed fines totaling three million Kuwaiti dinars on accused.<\/p>\n A further 28 defendants received four-year prison sentences, while 36 others were acquitted and had charges dismissed.<\/p>\n In its ruling, the court described the offences as exceptionally serious, stating that the primary defendant had abused his public office to manipulate commercial draws for personal financial gain.<\/p>\n Judges said the actions set a dangerous precedent that violated principles of fairness, justice, and equal opportunity.<\/p>\n The court warned that such practices undermine public trust, erode confidence in regulatory authorities, and damage the credibility of commercial transactions.<\/p>\n It added that the manipulation harmed legitimate participants and weakened confidence in official documentation, ultimately affecting Kuwait\u2019s financial reputation internationally.<\/p>\n Emphasising the responsibility that comes with public office, the court said government positions are a trust, not a means for personal enrichment. Betraying that trust, it said, sends a \u201cpoisoned message\u201d that rights can be obtained through deception rather than merit.<\/p>\n The Public Prosecution said the case, which involved 73 defendants in total, was not an isolated incident but an organised operation carried out through a coordinated network.<\/p>\n During earlier hearings, prosecutors revealed that the defendants exploited their official positions and gaps in oversight to secure unlawful financial benefits, which were then shared among members of the network.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n