A high-ranking Kuwaiti government official has been sentenced to 15 years in jail and fined over $15 million for embezzling large amounts of government salaries, including inflating his own salary significantly. The official, an employee of the payroll department in the General Directorate of Fire, manipulated the system to repeatedly increase his own wage, making it the highest government salary in Kuwait.
The ‘King of Swimming Pools’
Known locally as the “king of swimming pools,” the official used the stolen money to open a store in the Mubarak market, selling swimming pools and precious stones. The crime was discovered when a senior colleague found a salary certificate showing an income much higher than the official’s actual salary.
A Significant Ruling
The ruling by the Kuwaiti Court of Cassation marks a major development in the country’s fight against corruption. This comes after the official appealed a previous judgement by the Criminal Court, which had fined him 4 million dinars ($13 million).
Ongoing Anti-Corruption Campaign
The verdict aligns with Kuwait’s extensive anti-corruption campaign launched in early 2020. Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al Sabah has emphasized a no-tolerance policy towards corruption, stating that no individuals involved in corruption will enjoy immunity, regardless of their status or affiliation.
Summary
- A high-ranking Kuwaiti government official has been sentenced to 15 years in jail and fined over $15 million for embezzling government salaries, including inflating his own.
- Known locally as the “king of swimming pools,” the official used the stolen money to open a store selling swimming pools and precious stones.
- The verdict by the Kuwaiti Court of Cassation aligns with Kuwait’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign.
- Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al Sabah has emphasized a no-tolerance policy towards corruption, vowing that no individuals involved in corruption will enjoy immunity, regardless of their status or affiliation.
