A Kuwaiti doctor has been sentenced in absentia to five years in prison and fined KD1 million (Dh12.08 million) after it was revealed that he had fraudulently received a full government salary for 15 years while living abroad.

Investigation Uncovers Long-Term Absence

According to court records, the doctor, employed by the Ministry of Health, had not reported to work since leaving Kuwait 15 years ago. However, he continued to receive his salary without interruption, allegedly with the assistance of an insider at the ministry who facilitated the fraud.

Authorities uncovered the scheme after a report was filed with the Public Prosecution and the Criminal Investigation Department at the Ministry of Interior. A thorough review of the doctor’s travel history confirmed that he had not been present in Kuwait at any point during the period in question.

Legal Consequences and Uncertain Extradition

Following the investigation, the Kuwaiti Criminal Court delivered its verdict in absentia, sentencing the doctor to five years behind bars and imposing a substantial financial penalty.

As the convicted doctor remains outside Kuwait, it remains unclear whether authorities will pursue international legal channels, such as an extradition request, to bring him to justice. The case highlights the ongoing crackdown on fraudulent government salary claims and misuse of public funds.

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