58 Suspects including 25 expatriates probed in major raffle scam

A security source told Al-Anba that the total number of individuals investigated in the recent raffle fraud case has risen to 58, including 25 expatriates of various nationalities.

The main suspect in the case was presented before the Public Prosecution the day before yesterday, where he was confronted with the detectives’ investigations. A decision was then issued to extend his detention pending further proceedings.

The security source revealed that all individuals, both citizens and expatriates, whether under suspicion or those who won prizes multiple times in past years, have been placed on travel ban or arrest lists.

The source added that the case is complex, with some individuals already summoned and investigated, while others will undergo the same procedure.

If anyone involved in the raffle case who attempts to leave the country will be taken directly from the airport to the Criminal Investigations Department. Also, three suspects had already tried to flee but were arrested at the airport before their departure.

The source stated that, task forces from the Ministries of Interior and Commerce were formed to identify suspects involved in the case and place them on ban lists, regardless of whether they are citizens or expatriates.

The main suspect admitted during investigations that his relationship with the accused and her husband began in 2021. He revealed that the first prize he helped her win was worth 20,000 dinars, followed by five more prizes, including luxury vehicles. He also facilitated her husband’s winnings, which included both cash and in-kind prizes.

The main suspect added that his initial connection to the couple was through an expatriate who has since fled to his home country.

The source revealed that an examination of the phones of the main suspect and the accused uncovered communications with individuals from two countries. It was found that the accused had received prizes from these countries, with their value later transferred to her, and she received the largest share of the winnings.

The are additional key suspects in the case and that legal measures have been taken to allow detectives to locate them. Authorities, armed with letters from the Public Prosecution and copies of the initial investigations, are set to summon and interrogate them.

The source added that investigation teams will move in the coming days to track down fugitive suspects. He also revealed that the employee’s partner, who fled last Sunday morning, has been identified but declined to disclose further details about the whereabouts.

All the raffle winners, including those who won large prizes, will be summoned for investigation to trace the funds withdrawn from their accounts immediately after winning or in the following days. Authorities aim to determine where the money was transferred and to whom it was handed over.

The source reassured citizens and residents that the case is being handled diligently and that all those involved, whether inside or outside Kuwait, will be pursued. He emphasized that anyone suspected in this serious case will not be able to leave the country, as travel ban lists have been distributed to all ports.

The detainees provided statements implicating additional individuals, including an expatriate of a different nationality mentioned by the accused (F.). It was confirmed that the main suspect had enabled her to win four prizes, and she has also been arrested.

When questioned whether the main suspect was the sole mastermind behind the case, the source responded that so far, it seems so, but the fugitive expatriate may provide testimony that uncovers other individuals involved.

The source estimated the total value of the cash and in-kind prizes uncovered so far at hundreds of thousands of dinars. Additionally, an examination of the main suspect’s personal computer revealed programs capable of manipulating the raffle results by selecting predetermined winners, even among tens of thousands of participants.