Training Institute Owner Faces Verdict for Defrauding "Tamkeen" with Forged Certificates

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com   

A training institute owner awaits a verdict after being accused of defrauding the Labour Fund "Tamkeen" by submitting forged training certificates. The High Criminal Court is scheduled to deliver its decision on August 26th. The defendant allegedly submitted falsified training certificates to claim support funds from "Tamkeen," ultimately receiving a total of BD 4,470.

During the court session, the defendant's lawyer pleaded for their client's innocence and requested the hearing of defense witnesses. Meanwhile, the Public Prosecution, represented by the Deputy Chief Prosecutor of the Southern Governorate and a member of the Advocacy Unit, presented a comprehensive written and oral argument along with an electronic presentation showcasing the evidence.

The Public Prosecution highlighted the forged certificates attributed to a training institute outside the Kingdom of Bahrain. They presented a letter from "Tamkeen" confirming the disbursement of funds to the defendant's training institute, as well as a letter from the institute itself confirming the certificates' invalidity. Furthermore, the testimonies of trainees confirmed their non-participation in the training course and revealed that their signatures on attendance records were obtained at the defendant's request.

The Public Prosecution further investigated the case by contacting the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs to verify the entry and exit records of the trainees during the training period. It was revealed that some trainees were outside the Kingdom of Bahrain during the training course. The Public Prosecution also pointed to inconsistencies in the defendant's statements during the investigation.

In concluding her argument, the Public Prosecutor emphasised the Public Prosecution's commitment to combating fraudulent activities that harm national interests. She demanded the imposition of the maximum penalty on the defendant.

The investigation into this case was initiated by the Acting Chief Prosecutor of Cybercrime based on information gathered by the General Directorate of Anti-corruption and Economic and Electronic Security.

Witnesses were interviewed, including individuals whose names appeared on the submitted training certificates, who confirmed their non-participation in the training course. The alleged issuing institution also confirmed the certificates' invalidity. The investigation revealed that the defendant received support funds from "Tamkeen" through the bank account of their training institute.

The Public Prosecution interrogated the defendant, presenting the evidence against him. Subsequently, the defendant was referred to the competent criminal court.