Kuwait records 65% drop in misappropriation of public funds cases to 96 million dinars
The value of public funds involved in misappropriation cases in Kuwait plunged 65 percent in 2025 to 96 million dinars, compared with an annual average of 278 million dinars over the previous three years. The amount involved in such cases totaled 834 million dinars between 2022 and 2024.
In 2025, however, the value fell sharply to 96 million dinars, representing a decline of 182 million dinars, or about 65 percent, from the previous three-year annual average.
The statistics indicate that the decline concerns the value of funds involved in public funds cases, rather than necessarily reflecting a reduction in the number of cases registered during the same period.
Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait stressed the need to intensify efforts to monitor and follow up on public funds cases through greater coordination between the Ministry of Justice and relevant government authorities.
Al-Sumait said the ministry is continuously monitoring the number of cases involving assaults on public funds, the government entities concerned, their responses and the measures taken in accordance with Law No. 1 of 1993 on the Protection of Public Funds, as well as the outcomes of such cases before the competent authorities.
He referred to official statistics covering the period from January through June 2025, which recorded 107 public funds cases involving 34 government entities that were subject to assaults or suspicions related to public funds.
The minister highlighted the significant decline in the value of public funds involved in such cases, attributing the development to tighter government procedures, stronger coordination and continued efforts to safeguard public funds, prevent violations and take legal action against those involved in public funds crimes.
Al-Sumait also said a training programme for legal personnel in government agencies is continuing in cooperation with the Kuwait Institute for Judicial and Legal Studies. The programme aims to strengthen the ability of government legal staff to detect and investigate cases involving the embezzlement of public funds.
The programme includes specialized lectures and workshops conducted by members of the judiciary and experts from regulatory and financial institutions, with the aim of establishing unified working methods and improving government agencies’ ability to identify violations at an early stage.
Al-Sumait stressed the importance of further strengthening Kuwait’s integrity system and enhancing the readiness of state institutions to protect public funds. He also called for greater cooperation among government bodies, the judiciary and regulatory authorities, alongside stronger governance and transparency mechanisms.
The minister noted that the Cabinet had previously directed all relevant parties to cooperate with the Public Funds Cases Follow-up Committee, supporting its efforts to monitor cases before the judicial authorities and achieve tangible results in recovering public funds.
Key figures
- 65% — decline in the value of funds involved in public funds cases in 2025 compared with the previous three-year annual average.
- 278 million dinars — average annual value of funds involved in cases during 2022–2024.
- 834 million dinars — total value involved during 2022–2024.
- 96 million dinars — value involved in 2025.
- 182 million dinars — decline from the previous three-year annual average.
- 107 cases — public funds cases registered from January to June 2025.
- 34 government entities — entities involved in cases or suspicions related to public funds.
