KUWAIT CITY, Jan 5: The Court of Appeals, headed by Counselor Nasr Salem Al-Haid, along with Counselors Saud Al-Sanea and Tariq Metwally, upheld the five-year prison term and KD1,000 fine imposed on a sergeant for fabricating alcohol trafficking charges to deport Asians. The defendant was found guilty of accepting a KD500 bribe from an undercover agent to arrest and deport an Asian under false charges. The accused, a sergeant in the Ministry of Interior, unlawfully detained the individual for approximately 30 minutes at Salwa Police Station, fabricating the charge of alcohol trafficking to justify the deportation

Testimony from the investigating officer revealed that the sergeant regularly accepted bribes, targeting Asians with fabricated charges. Following an investigation authorized by the Public Prosecution, which included wiretapping the defendant’s telephone and setting up an operation involving a vehicle transporting alcoholic beverages, the sergeant was apprehended near Salwa Police Station. When confronted, he confessed to all the charges. The Criminal Court initially sentenced the defendant to five years in prison, along with KD1,000 fine. The Court of Appeals upheld this verdict and dismissed the defendant’s appeal. The Ministry of Interior issued an official statement highlighting the role of the Criminal Investigation General Department and Licensing Department in apprehending the sergeant involved in a bribery scheme. The ministry affirmed its commitment to uphold the law and ensure that no one, regardless of their position, is above accountability. It reiterated that it will continue to take strict action against any individual who threatens national security.

By Jaber Al-Hamoud
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff