PADA refers suspected 1.211 million dinars embezzlement case to Prosecution
. . . second public funds 'theft' case in a week; Minister Dr Al-Huwailah vows accountability
Kuwait has referred suspected violations involving public funds at the Public Authority for Disability Affairs to the Public Prosecution, with an estimated value of the financial damage under investigation reaching KD1.211 million ($3.95 million).
Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah said Saturday that incidents and suspicions concerning the possible misappropriation of public funds had been referred for the necessary legal action against a number of officials and employees.
Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Huwailah said the referral was the second such case within a week, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight, accountability and the protection of public funds.
She said the latest case followed the findings of an investigation committee examining alleged violations involving maintenance works and contracts.
According to the committee’s findings, funds had been paid for quantities of work and services that were found not to have been fully completed on the ground. The value of the damage being investigated was estimated at approximately KD1.211 million, equivalent to about $3.95 million.
Al-Huwailah stressed that protecting public funds was a responsibility that could not be compromised, adding that any violations involving suspected criminal wrongdoing would be referred through the appropriate legal channels.
She said the relevant authorities would take the necessary administrative and legal measures and work to recover any amounts found to have been improperly disbursed, while safeguarding the rights of the Authority and public funds.
The minister also stressed that accountability would apply to anyone proven to have been negligent or responsible, regardless of their position, with no exceptions. She added that oversight efforts would continue to promote integrity and ensure the proper management and protection of public funds.
