Bribery and Corruption in Kuwait: Legal Perspectives and Sanctions
Bribery is classified as a major criminal offense in Kuwait and is regulated under Articles 35–50 of the Penal Code and the Anti-Corruption Authority Law No. 2 of 2016. It involves offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence the actions of a public or private official.
Forms of Bribery
- Cash payments to government employees.
- Gifts or favors in exchange for tenders or licenses.
- Bribes in the private sector for contracts or job positions.
Penalties under Kuwaiti Law
- Up to 10 years imprisonment for both the giver and the receiver.
- Confiscation of the bribe and dismissal from office.
- Corporate sanctions if companies are involved.
Defending Against Bribery Allegations
- Proving lack of criminal intent.
- Demonstrating absence of any actual benefit exchanged.
- Using recorded communication to establish extortion or coercion.
Accused of bribery or facing workplace corruption?
Call Attorney Mishari Obaid Al-Anzi – Specialist in white-collar crime and corruption law:
+965 97585500
