Bahraini Authorities Apprehend Suspect in Social Insurance Fund Fraud Case

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

The Public Prosecution announced the successful apprehension of a suspect wanted for alleged fraud against the Social Insurance Organisation (SIO). The arrest was made in cooperation with Saudi security authorities, following an international arrest warrant issued by the Public Prosecution.

The case stems from a complaint filed by SIO alleging that the suspect had fraudulently obtained 109,000 Bahraini dinars by submitting forged employment contracts.

The Public Prosecution initiated an investigation, which revealed that the suspect had accessed SIO's electronic system and submitted false information regarding insurance claims for female workers.

He claimed they were employed at a company owned by his father, which was later proven to be untrue. The suspect then submitted requests to remove the workers from the insurance programme, claiming their resignation on various dates.

This allowed him to receive one-time compensation payments, which were subsequently transferred to bank accounts under the names of the insured individuals and other accounts controlled by the suspect. Financial analysis confirmed that the suspect was the ultimate beneficiary of the funds transferred by the SIO.

Upon the suspect's flight from Bahrain, the Public Prosecution issued an international arrest warrant. The Saudi security authorities, in collaboration with Bahrain's International Affairs and Interpol Directorate, apprehended the suspect and extradited him to Bahrain.

The suspect was presented to the Public Prosecution upon his return and questioned. He has been remanded in custody pending further investigation.