Kuwait's Attorney General Imposes Media Blackout on "Ya Hala" Shopping Festival Investigation

Kuwait City, Friday – Attorney General Counselor Saad Al-Safran has ordered a confidential investigation into Case No. 947/2025 (Capital Prosecution) registered as No. 550/2025 (Criminal Investigations) regarding alleged fraud in the "Ya Hala" Kuwait Shopping Festival raffles, imposing a complete media blackout on the case.

Key Details of the Public Prosecution Statement:

1. Investigation Basis:

   • Launched following a Ministry of Interior security report

   • Involves multiple suspects accused of:
     ✓ Fraud (تزوير)
     ✓ Bribery (رشوة)
     ✓ Embezzlement of public funds (استيلاء على أموال عامة)
     ✓ Money laundering (غسل أموال)
     ✓ Harm to national interests (إضرار بالمصالح القومية)

2. Media Blackout Order:

   • Invokes Article 75(2) of the Criminal Procedures Law (amended by Law No. 3/2012)

   • Prohibits all news reporting or social media discussion

   • Violators face legal action

3. Rationale:

   • Prevents interference with investigations

   • Protects national security interests

   • Ensures presumption of innocence until proven guilty

4. Future Updates:

   • Media will be officially briefed upon investigation completion