Head of the Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit and Chairman of Nazaha Discuss Enhancing Cooperation in Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

KWFIU News | 02 07 2026

The Head of the Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) and Head of the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, Dr. Hamad Al-Mekrad, met with the Chairman of the Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), Dr. Rana Al-Fares, to discuss strengthening institutional cooperation and enhancing the exchange of expertise and information in combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
Dr. Al-Mekrad stated on Thursday that the meeting focused on mechanisms to further develop joint cooperation in a manner that enhances the efficiency of information exchange and supports efforts to combat financial crimes and corruption, building on the complementary mandates of both entities.
He added that money laundering and terrorist financing are considered corruption crimes under the provisions of Law No. (2) of 2016 concerning the establishment of the Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha). They also constitute one of the core areas of responsibility of the Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit under Law No. (106) of 2013 on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing.
Dr. Al-Mekrad affirmed that the meeting builds on a series of coordination meetings previously held between the two entities, which resulted in the adoption of a new methodology aimed at strengthening institutional cooperation and mutual understanding. The methodology is designed to facilitate the timely exchange of information, enhance coordination, and ensure greater integration in carrying out the mandates of both entities.
He explained that the methodology translates the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two entities into practical implementation by establishing clear operational mechanisms to maximize the benefits of joint cooperation, thereby strengthening the effectiveness of Kuwait’s national framework for combating financial crimes and corruption.
Dr. Al-Mekrad also noted that Nazaha is an active member of the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, reinforcing institutional integration among the relevant national authorities and contributing to unified national efforts to address risks associated with financial crimes.
He reaffirmed the Kuwait Financial Intelligence Unit’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with all national authorities, particularly Nazaha, in a manner that enhances the protection of the State of Kuwait’s financial system, strengthens the effectiveness of the national framework for combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and related crimes, and aligns with international standards and best practices.