Nine get 7 years, million-dinar fines in major online gambling case
Interior crackdown leads to heavy sentences in cyber gambling, money laundering ring
The Criminal Court (Second Circuit) has sentenced nine persons to seven years in prison and imposed fines of KD 1 million after convicting them of forming an organized gang and operating a website dedicated to illegal gambling and money laundering.
In the same case, the court fined a company more than KD 1.839 million and permanently barred it from engaging in any commercial activity, whether directly or indirectly, reports Al-Qabas daily.
The court also ordered the publication of the ruling in the Official Gazette, citing the company’s involvement in facilitating financial transfers linked to the illegal activities.
The Ministry of Interior said the case falls within its ongoing security efforts to combat organized crime and safeguard the country’s financial system from illicit practices.
Authorities had uncovered an organized criminal network responsible for managing and operating an online gambling platform.
Extensive investigations revealed that the group laundered proceeds from gambling by depositing the funds into bank accounts belonging to a medical clinic and several commercial companies.
The money was presented as legitimate business income before being transferred abroad to conceal its illegal origin.
The Ministry stressed that dealing with illegal websites or participating in their activities constitutes a crime punishable by law.
It reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing anyone who attempts to undermine the financial system or exploit cyberspace for unlawful purposes, vowing to take firm legal action against offenders.
