By Abdullah Al-Mershed
KUWAIT, Nov 10 (KUNA)-- Head of Fatwa and Legislation Department Justice Salah Al-Masaad announced on Sunday the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom has ordered suspension, worldwide, of all assets -- estimated at USD 847 million -- belonging to the former Director General of the Public Institution for Social Security (of Kuwait) Fahad Al-Rajaan.
Justice Al-Masaad said in a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the verdict issued by the British court compels the defendant Al-Rajaan to disclose all his assets throughout the world.
The verdict was issued on October 16, pending proceedings of a civil lawsuit filed against the former head of the Kuwaiti institution and others, he said, adding that the sentence was based on documents and "presented arguments." Justice Al-Masaad added that the sentence to freeze the assets has been effective since issuance of the verdict.
Moreover, the British tribunal has accepted a request from the social institution to reveal Al-Rajaan's assets, where he is compelled to do this regarding all of his assets worldwide.
Justice Al-Masaad indicated that personnel of the fatwa department had been engaged in a marathon and tiring task, lasting for three decades, examining and authenticating documents in various countries and of diverse languages.
The Kuwaiti team of elite experts from the legislation department coordinated with specialized foreign bureaus to follow up and prepare the case against Al-Rajaan, he said, affirming the determination to track down and bring into account all manipulators with public funds and bringing back "the funds that have been illegally seized." He indicated that during the two day hearing, the court rejected Al-Rajaan's arguments. (end) amn.rk