ShareA Russian employee stole public funds and fled Kuwait after she transferred about $166 million to her accomplices. This report was published by Al-Jarida daily two days ago and angered many Kuwaitis. It was also trending on social media over the weekend. I need to say here that the Kuwaiti prosecution is still investigating the matter, with May 21 set for consideration of the case. So the court has not issued its final word yet.
The prosecutor has accused the suspects, who were working for the port investment fund, of misappropriating public funds from 2007 to 2015. The total amount embezzled by the Russian employee and her partners exceeded $166 million, and the case file will be referred to the
criminal court. The prosecution also charged another suspect, a member of the advisory board of the fund, of colluding with the Russian employee in money laundering and embezzlement of
public funds. This person was a public servant and deliberately carried out illegal actions that were detrimental to the interests of the institution.
It is worth mentioning that former communications minister Essa Al-Kandari had investigated the issue and referred it to the public prosecution. He made this decision as per an Audit Bureau report, which revealed the embezzlement. The entire case is now under investigation and more details are being published online.
But this is not the aim of this article. It is no surprise that financial crimes occur every day in the world. There is nothing new about the subject, but what is interesting here is the question that many people have raised - how was a suspect allowed to leave the country before an acquittal from the court?
In fact, a social media activist made a point about how the interior ministry often places travel bans on individuals, whether citizens or expatriates, for lesser crimes. This case is still under investigation and has not been completed or closed by the court. Another disturbing element is the fact that this did not happen all of a sudden, but continued for years - from 2007 to 2015!
Some people have called on the National Assembly to form an investigation committee. Unfortunately, this is a loss of public funds, which is the people's money, and not the private property of someone. Therefore, the anger of the people is justified. There are
intense frustrations and complaints over this crime, and allowing one of the suspects to leave Kuwait with the money. This is an ideal ending for a criminal - to commit a crime and flee.
One of the reasons for anxiety is the recurrence of financial crimes in recent years in Kuwait and the flight of suspects abroad without the ability to stop or extradite them to face punishment. They are often senior employees or officials and not junior staff. These crimes send a negative message about Kuwait and the society. It is like saying if you have money and power, you will be far from punishment.
This is a security and moral threat to the society and the safety of people. It also distorts Kuwait's reputation and makes it appear like a home of corrupt people and criminals. It is the right of everyone to demand strict measures be taken against the suspects, whether they
are citizens or expatriates, especially those who violate public money or are involved in money laundering. I believe the public prosecutor's office will continue to investigate the crime as part of
its work and the court will issue its verdict without doubt, but the events send a frightening message to the people. We should not allow anyone to think we are a perfect location for crimes and thefts.
By Muna Al-Fuzai
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