Security sources reported that an Egyptian delivery worker is suspected of embezzling KD 1,900 in customer payments before departing Kuwait abruptly last week. The individual’s employer filed a complaint with police after noticing discrepancies in the accounts handled by the worker, who was responsible for cash collections on behalf of the company. Investigators have initiated procedures to locate the suspect, who is believed to have exited through one of the country’s airports prior to the report being fully processed.
According to Al-Anba daily, which first highlighted the case, the worker had been employed by a firm specializing in food and goods delivery for several months prior to the incident. The publication noted that such roles frequently involve handling significant amounts of cash, creating potential vulnerabilities if proper checks are not in place. Police are examining transaction records and witness statements to build a complete picture of the events leading to the disappearance of the funds.
The Ministry of Interior has successfully resolved comparable matters in the past through international cooperation. In one notable example from February 2024, authorities apprehended an Egyptian who had embezzled more than KD 300,000 from an aviation services firm after he fled to the United Arab Emirates, ministry figures show. That case involved coordination with Interpol and UAE officials, resulting in the suspect’s extradition and subsequent legal proceedings in Kuwait.
Central Statistical Bureau data places the number of Egyptian residents in Kuwait at over 700,000, forming a substantial portion of the expatriate workforce in logistics and related services. The delivery sector has expanded rapidly in recent years amid rising e-commerce activity, with firms offering quick delivery options across the emirate. This growth, while economically beneficial, has occasionally been accompanied by isolated incidents of financial misconduct that require vigilant oversight.
A PwC assessment of workforce dynamics in the GCC has pointed to the need for enhanced digital tracking in delivery operations to minimize cash-related risks. Companies are encouraged to implement real-time monitoring systems for all transactions to deter potential irregularities. The current case serves as a reminder for businesses to review their internal protocols, security sources added.
The Criminal Security Sector continues to handle the investigation, with the file expected to be transferred to the Public Prosecution once the suspect is identified or apprehended. Under Kuwaiti law, embezzlement carries penalties that can include imprisonment, fines and deportation following completion of any sentence. Officials urge anyone with information on the individual’s whereabouts to contact the nearest police station.
