KUWAIT CITY: Authorities in Kuwait arrested an Egyptian national on suspicion of manipulating the biggest shopping festival draw “Ya Hala”. The woman was arrested at Kuwait International Airport as she was trying to flee the country.

The woman, identified as Fatima Gamal Saad Diab, was apprehended at Kuwait International Airport while attempting to flee the country. Investigations revealed she had won seven vehicles in various raffle draws—five in her name and two under her husband’s, Mohammed Abdulsalam, raising suspicions of systematic manipulation.

According to media reports, before attempting to leave the country, the woman had transferred one of the cars she recently won to the name of her husband. Officials said that the woman winning the previous draws continuously also raised doubts and is now under investigation. The authorities also arrested a Ministry official along with the woman’s husband on suspicion of involvement in manipulating the draws.

Authorities say the accused exploited her position at the Al-Najat Charitable Committee, with assistance from her husband, who works at Bab Al-Kuwait Press Company. The duo reportedly collaborated with Ahmed Mohammed Al-Hamad, head of the raffles department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, who has also been arrested. Al-Hamad confessed to using his official position to guarantee raffle wins for selected individuals in exchange for bribes.

The network’s activities came to light after a video showing fraudulent behavior during a raffle went viral on social media, prompting an immediate investigation by the General Department of Criminal Investigation and the Ministry of Commerce. The probe uncovered a sophisticated web of fraud, with precise procedures carried out to manipulate draws.

Fatima admitted during questioning that she had been introduced to the scheme by her husband, who had connections with Mohamed Sobhi El-Sayed and Saleh Majed Faris Khamis—both fugitives now wanted by Interpol. These individuals allegedly arranged for prize guarantees in exchange for payments ranging between KD 200 to 600, with winnings split among conspirators.

Authorities confirmed that Mohamed Sobhi fled the country on January 31, 2025, and Saleh Khamis left on March 23, 2025. Efforts to locate and extradite them are underway.

The Ministry of Interior emphasized that no tolerance will be shown toward corruption, vowing maximum penalties for all involved and confirming that investigations are ongoing to uncover other suspected fake winners and collaborators.

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