Kuwait refers 71 suspects, 28 firms to court over agricultural land fraud

Kuwait's Public Prosecution has launched an investigation into a money laundering case involving corruption and manipulation of procedures related to agricultural holdings and plots overseen by the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources.

According to Kuwait's Al-Qabas newspaper, a total of 71 suspects have been charged, including public employees—some in senior and supervisory roles—and staff from various government agencies.

The case also implicates 28 commercial entities, along with others whose involvement enabled them to profit from the fraudulent activities. The investigation confirmed charges including bribery, deliberate damage to public funds, forgery, and illicit gains.

The value of the funds and benefits involved in the corruption—stemming from the illicit trade of usufruct rights to state-owned real estate—amounts to 8,662,296 Kuwaiti dinars, highlighting the severity of the abuse of public office and the misappropriation of rights intended to serve the public interest.