Key suspects in $124 million theft to be returned from Kuwait for probe

• Kuwaiti authorities have arrested two individuals accused of ‘double-crossing’ in the high-profile ‘theft of tax deposits’ case in Iraq. Each suspect holds both Kuwaiti and Iraqi nationalities.

Security sources revealed to Al-Rai newspaper that authorities are continuing to investigate two individuals accused of ‘double-crossing’ in the high-profile ‘theft of tax deposits’ case in Iraq, known as the ‘theft of the century.’

In announcing the details of the arrest of eight main suspects in the case, the Iraqi Integrity Commission revealed that Kuwaiti authorities had arrested two individuals, each holding both Kuwaiti and Iraqi nationalities. Iraq had requested their arrest through an official notice from Interpol.

The sources stated that ‘the accused were investigated by the competent authorities in Kuwait regarding the accusations against them, and their statements were heard. The various legal aspects related to the case are planned to be discussed to complete the necessary procedures.’

The head of the Iraqi Integrity Commission, Judge Haider Hanoun, said in a press conference that the two individuals were involved in stealing approximately $124 million from tax deposits through their connections with a former finance minister and their ownership of a Kuwaiti company.

He noted that ‘their role, according to our information, was to facilitate the theft of tax deposits due to their special relationship with the former minister, who is also accused in the same case.’

He added, “They are currently detained by the Kuwaiti authorities, and they will come to Iraq and be investigated to determine their role in the charges against them. We extend our thanks for the cooperation of our brothers in the sisterly State of Kuwait, and God willing, the procedures for their return to Iraq will be completed soon.”

According to media reports, the accused have obtained Kuwaiti citizenship in 2004.