Kuwait Busts Network Funding Terrorism to Safeguard Security

Kuwait’s Interior Ministry announced on Saturday that it has dismantled a 24-member cell accused of funnelling money to terrorist organisations, describing the operation as a “pre-emptive” measure to safeguard national security.

According to a statement from the ministry, the network consisted of Kuwaiti nationals, including one individual whose citizenship had recently been revoked. Authorities also identified eight fugitives, including another individual who had lost citizenship.

Investigators revealed that the cell raised funds under the guise of religious and charitable organisations, collecting donations from individuals who were misled into believing their money was supporting legitimate humanitarian causes. These funds were instead stockpiled and prepared for international transfer on instructions from foreign entities.

The ministry said the operation exposed a “serious breach of trust,” where donors were deceived into contributing to what appeared to be credible channels. Significant cash holdings linked to the network were seized during the crackdown.

Officials stated that the group employed a sophisticated financial structure, using commercial and professional businesses as fronts for money laundering operations. To evade detection, funds were split into smaller amounts and transported through multiple couriers via land and air.

Those arrested have been referred to prosecutors, while efforts are ongoing to track down remaining suspects and dismantle any residual networks.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, condemned the plots, warning they aimed to destabilise Kuwait and spread chaos and sabotage. He reaffirmed the UAE’s full solidarity with Kuwait and commended its security forces for thwarting the operation and identifying those involved.

Last month, Kuwait reported the detention of 16 individuals accused of ties to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The Interior Ministry disclosed that 14 Kuwaitis and two Lebanese citizens affiliated with the Iran-backed organisation had been arrested over an alleged “sabotage plot” targeting the Gulf nation.