Kuwait tightens oversight to curb smuggling, misuse of subsidized food supplies
Official statistics show 107 cases of embezzlements of public funds were recorded from the beginning of 2025 until the end of last June -- Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait
The Cabinet, during its weekly meeting, reaffirmed its firm commitment to ensure subsidized foodstuffs are not taken out of the country or sold illegally on the black market, stressing that these provisions must remain strictly reserved for eligible Kuwaiti citizens and directed the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the General Administration of Customs, the Kuwait Investment Authority (Kuwait Supply Company), and all other relevant government bodies to take decisive legal action against any violations of this mandate.
The meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah, has directed the concerned authorities to intensify monitoring of subsidized food disbursement to ensure it reaches only those entitled.
The Cabinet also called for full coordination among government agencies to combat attempts to smuggle subsidized products outside Kuwait and to prevent their passage through land, sea, and air ports, in accordance with the law and the relevant governmental and ministerial decisions.
As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting public funds, the Cabinet instructed all government entities to fully cooperate with the Public Funds Follow-up Committee. This cooperation aims to reinforce the committee’s efforts in closely tracking cases currently before the judicial authorities and achieving concrete progress in the recovery of public funds.
Minister of Justice, Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait, stated in a press release that the official statistics recorded 107 cases involving assaults on public funds from the beginning of 2025 until the end of June. These cases included incidents or suspicions related to public funds affecting 34 government agencies.
In other decisions, the Cabinet approved a draft decree-law regulating work within the digital trade sector, reflecting Kuwait’s effort to keep pace with rapid developments in the digital economy. The new legislation aims to enhance the country’s competitiveness as a regional and international hub for digital business, technological investment, and sustainable economic development.
Commenting on the draft law, Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajil said it establishes modern controls for digital advertising and influencer activity, while enhancing consumer data protection. He explained that the legislation provides a comprehensive framework governing electronic transactions, digital promotional activities, and electronic payment methods.
Al-Ajil added that the law addresses the regulation of digital advertising and influencer marketing by requiring that all advertisements be linked to the merchant’s verified data. It also mandates that cooperation contracts be documented and retained for no less than five years, ensuring transparency and safeguarding consumer rights.
