kuwaitlaw.ai

Criminal

Can Kuwait Confiscate Business Equipment in Cybercrime Cases?

Last updated 8/7/20260 viewsProvisional

Kuwaiti courts can confiscate equipment and assets under Article 13 of Cybercrime Law No. 63 of 2015, and order website or premises closure.

Yes, Kuwaiti courts have broad powers to confiscate equipment and assets connected to cybercrime offenses. Article 13 of the Cybercrime Law (No. 63 of 2015) allows courts to order the seizure of any devices, software, or tools used to commit a cybercrime, as well as any financial proceeds derived from the offense. This can include computers, servers, mobile phones, and storage media.

Article 13 also empowers courts to order the closure of the physical premises or website where the offense was committed, either temporarily or permanently. For a business owner or employer, this could mean significant operational disruption even before a final verdict is reached.

Article 14 adds another layer of liability for businesses: if a legal entity's representative is found to have committed a cybercrime due to a failure in oversight or management, the legal representative of that entity can be held personally liable for the financial penalties. As an expat running a business in Kuwait, it is advisable to have clear IT usage policies, monitor compliance with cybercrime regulations, and ensure your staff are trained to avoid activities that could trigger an investigation.

This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Kuwait.

Was this helpful?

Related questions