Kuwait police expose KD 153,000 online gambling and money-laundering scam

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior announced on Monday, 4 November 2025, that security authorities had dismantled an organised online gambling network that secretly laundered more than KD 153,000 by routing illegal proceeds through a medical clinic and commercial company bank accounts before transferring the funds abroad to disguise their origin.

Kuwait gang arrest, KD 153K seized

Authorities confirmed that the total value of the funds seized, traced, and circulated through this criminal network's operations reached KD 153,837.25 (approximately $500,000), representing the known illicit funds directly linked to their activities. Following the arrests, all seven suspects, along with the seized funds, comprehensive investigation files, and detailed information on the implicated front companies, were immediately referred to the Public Prosecution and the Financial Prosecution Office to face severe legal proceedings.

Video

The high-stakes operation

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior (MOI) announced a major victory against organized crime on November 4, 2025, confirming the capture of a sophisticated syndicate running an illegal electronic gambling operation. The crackdown was spearheaded by the General Department for Counter-Terrorism and Anti-Money Laundering, signaling the seriousness of the crime, which targeted the nation's financial integrity.

This action is part of the MOI’s continuous commitment to fighting organized crime and protecting Kuwait's financial system from illicit activities. The agency confirmed that accurate security investigations were key in identifying and ultimately neutralizing the organized gang responsible for managing and operating an online platform dedicated entirely to gambling.


How did the money go from chips to clean cash?

The arrested gang executed an elaborate and layered financial scheme, ensuring the cash generated from the illegal gambling site appeared to be legally earned. This process, known as money laundering, involved using a network of seemingly legitimate businesses as covers.

The syndicate successfully cleaned their money by:

• Front Business Deposits: Illicit gambling proceeds were deposited into the bank accounts of various sham entities, including medical clinics and commercial companies.
• Falsifying Revenue: The criminals deliberately recorded these large cash inflows as "systematic revenues"—making them appear to be normal, legal business earnings.
• Transferring Abroad: After being "washed" through the local system, the funds were then rapidly moved and transferred outside the country to conceal their original, non-legitimate source.

Specific investigations revealed the use of a wide range of front companies, including health salons, general trading firms, delivery services, and clothing and perfume outlets. To avoid detection by regulators, the money transfers were managed by a key associate based in Turkey, with individual transactions kept at or below KD 25,000 (approximately $81,500).


What to watch next?

Expect follow-ups from prosecutors about criminal charges and possible asset freezes or international cooperation to trace funds moved abroad. Regulators and banks may also increase monitoring of accounts tied to small clinics and newly-registered companies after this case. Media and watchdogs will likely track whether arrests lead to court filings and whether further network nodes are uncovered.