From Gambler to Killer: Asian in dock for debt-driven murder in Bahrain

The High Criminal Court has commenced the trial of a 33-year-old Asian man accused of murdering a fellow Asian man who managed gambling accounts. The alleged motive behind the brutal crime was a massive gambling debt incurred by the accused, who lost a staggering 1,700 dinars.

The accused, who is currently outside Bahrain, is facing a multitude of charges including premeditated murder, robbery, fraud, and money laundering.

The prosecution alleges that the accused, driven by a desire to recoup his losses, meticulously planned the murder. He repeatedly visited the victim's residence, observing his routines until he found the opportune moment. On January 23, 2024, the accused entered the victim's home while he was alone, bound his hands and feet with electrical wires, and then strangled him with a piece of cloth.

It is alleged that the accused then used the victim's phone and bank account details to fraudulently withdraw 628 dinars. He also stole the victim's belongings and money after physically assaulting and torturing him.

Furthermore, the accused is charged of gaining unauthorised access to the victim's bank accounts and transferring funds. He is also charged with money laundering, attempting to legitimize the proceeds of his crimes through various transactions and purchases.

A witness, a fellow countryman of the accused, testified that he visited the victim's residence on the day of the murder to repair and collect a refrigerator. Upon returning to deliver the refrigerator later that day, he found the victim bound and lying on the floor, prompting him to call for help.

Another witness, a friend of the accused, stated that the suspect  had borrowed money from him and had once asked him to drop him off near a residential complex. This witness confirmed that the victim managed gambling accounts and that the accused was a regular customer who deposited between 100 to 150 dinars monthly. He revealed that the accused had lost all his bets, totaling 1,700 dinars, over a period of 11 months.

The court has adjourned the trial until September 24th, with the accused being summoned to the police station in his place of residence.

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