Financial Crime World

Cyber Crimes Law: Severe Penalties Imposed for Promoting Illicit Substances

Kuwait Enacts New Law to Combat Cyber Crimes

Kuwait City, Kuwait - In a bid to combat the growing menace of cyber crimes, the government has enacted a new law that imposes severe penalties on individuals found guilty of promoting illicit substances online. The law came into effect yesterday and provides for imprisonment terms ranging from one month to 15 years, along with fines of up to OMR 150,000 (approximately USD 400,000).

Promoting Drugs and Psychotropic Substances

  • Article 10 of the law states that anyone found guilty of promoting methods of taking drugs and psychotropic substances online or facilitating their dealing in cases other than those legally authorized will face a minimum imprisonment term of 10 years and a maximum fine of OMR 15,000.

Infringement of Legally Protected Rights

  • Article 26 of the law provides for penalties ranging from imprisonment for six months to three years and fines of up to OMR 15,000 for individuals who use online platforms or information technology facilities to infringe on legally protected rights related to writers, artists, or industrial property holders.

Trafficking in Antiquities and Works of Art

  • Article 27 of the law imposes penalties ranging from imprisonment for one year to three years and fines of up to OMR 100,000 (approximately USD 267,000) for individuals who establish online sites or use information technology facilities to traffic in antiquities or works of art without legal authorization.

Trespass on Credit Cards

  • Article 28 of the law provides for penalties ranging from imprisonment for one month to six months and fines of up to OMR 1,000 (approximately USD 2,667) for individuals who forge credit cards, acquire their data, or use them illegally.

Concluding Provisions

The law outlines additional provisions related to:

  • Criminal liability
  • Attempted crimes
  • Abetting others
  • Confiscation of equipment and devices
  • Shutting off online sites and venues
  • Deportation of expatriates
  • Reporting of information by offenders
  • Quasi-judicial powers of Authority employees

Expert Opinion

“Cyber crimes are a growing concern in Kuwait, and this new law is a welcome step towards combating these offenses,” said Dr. Ali Al-Rashed, a cybersecurity expert at the Kuwait University. “The severe penalties imposed by the law will serve as a deterrent to individuals who seek to engage in illegal activities online.”

Call to Action

Kuwaiti authorities are urging citizens and residents to report any suspicious online activity or attempts to promote illicit substances online to the authorities immediately.

In conclusion, the new Cyber Crimes Law is aimed at protecting Kuwait’s citizens and residents from the growing threat of cyber crimes. The severe penalties imposed by the law will serve as a deterrent to individuals who seek to engage in illegal activities online.