Two Asian Men Charged with Electronic Fraud in Bahrain

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Two Asian men are facing charges of electronic fraud after allegedly stealing 850 dinars from a local resident's bank account. The case is currently pending before the High Appeals Court, with a verdict expected on August 12th, 2024.

The victim reported to the Public Prosecution that he received a text message impersonating the Benefit Company, which included a link to a website. He was tricked into providing his personal and banking information, including his bank card verification code, on the website. He later discovered that 850 dinars had been withdrawn from his account.

Investigations revealed that the money had been transferred to the bank accounts of the two suspects, who were identified through bank inquiries and investigations. The suspects were found to have prior records of similar offenses and were part of a larger organised network operating outside of Bahrain. Their role involved receiving stolen funds and transferring them out of the country.

The first suspect admitted to knowing the second suspect and claimed he had provided his bank account for receiving the money. Bank statements confirmed that the stolen funds had indeed entered the suspects' accounts.

The High Appeals Court has scheduled a hearing for August 12th to deliver its verdict. The court had previously sentenced the two men in absentia to three years in prison and a fine of 1,000 dinars each, along with their permanent deportation from Bahrain after serving their sentence.