Jul.12, 2010

KUWAIT CITY, July 10: Any person caught with more than KD 3,000 in cash or equivalent such as jewelry at all land, maritime and air exits will be accused of money-laundering and referred to authorities, Al-Rai daily quoted the supervisor of customs operations at Salmi, Abdali and Khabari Al-Awazem exits Farhan Al-Ajmi as saying.

This is not to limit personal freedoms of travelers, but to limit deception and money-laundering activities, especially since traders of prohibited substances and narcotics are resorting to such activities to hide the source of their illegal money, added Al-Ajmi.

He added that as per international customs procedures, travelers are required to reveal what he/she possesses. If the traveler is caught with funds exceeding the maximum limit, which is KD 3,000 in Kuwait, the funds can be confiscated and the traveler transferred to specialized authorities with money-laundering charges. He pointed out that special offices are there at all exits in Kuwait where travelers are required to declare the amount of money and jewelry they have in a special form and added that there are also guidance boards at all corners of the exits to guide the travelers.

Al-Ajmi called on all those entering and leaving the country to respect these general rules for the sake of public interest.