Report: Kuwait Prosecutors Question ex-MPs over Corruption Charge

Kuwait prosecutors have questioned two former MPs over money laundering charges after millions of dollars were allegedly deposited in their bank accounts, local media reported Tuesday.

Kuwait's al-Jarida newspaper, one of four local papers to report on the interrogations, said former pro-government lawmakers Mukhled al-Azemi and Hussein al-Huraiti were interrogated late Monday on the source of the funds.

They were later released on $18,000 bail each.

The two are the first of around 15 members in the dissolved 50-seat parliament to be questioned on the alleged illegal account deposits that in total amount to some $350 million.

More former MPs were expected to be interrogated in the next few days as the Gulf state prepares for its fourth general polls in less than six years.

The case has rocked the oil-rich emirate's political establishment and led to the resignation of the government and dissolution of parliament.

According to al-Jarida, Huraiti, a former justice minister and judge, denied the charges during the interrogation and claimed he acquired the money through his law firm.

In September, the public prosecutor launched a probe after several local banks reported the deposit of millions of dollars into the bank accounts of around 15 former lawmakers.

The central bank's financial intelligence unit later confirmed to the public prosecution that the bank accounts of the ex-MPs had in fact received large cash deposits.

Kuwait's opposition claims that the money was paid to the ex-legislators in return for their support in crucial parliamentary votes, including motions of no-confidence against the former premier and his ministers.

The Kuwaiti government has denied the allegations.