Businessman jailed for circulating counterfeit US dollar bills in Bahrain

TDT | Manama

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A Bahraini businessman has been sentenced to five years in prison and fined for introducing counterfeit US dollar bills into the country. The defendant was found guilty of deliberately bringing forged currency into Bahrain with the intent to circulate it.

According to court documents, the businessman entered Bahrain with counterfeit $500 bills and proceeded to the duty-free shop at Bahrain International Airport. He purchased five perfumes worth $750 and then bought cigarettes for $200, using the counterfeit currency.

Suspicious

The cashier became suspicious and alerted airport security. Airport security officials, after being notified by the duty-free shop manager, identified the suspect through his travel documents used during the purchase.

The businessman also attempted to use the counterfeit bills at a pharmacy within the airport, further solidifying the evidence against him. During the proceedings, the defendant stated, “I had no idea the money was counterfeit. I trusted the source from which I obtained it.”

He added, “I deeply regret my actions and the trouble they have caused. I never intended to harm anyone or disrupt the economy.”

Deliberate actions

The High Criminal Court, in its ruling, considered the defendant’s deliberate actions in introducing the counterfeit currency and his attempt to circulate it within the country.

The court also ordered the confiscation of the counterfeit currency and other items seized from the defendant.

“The circulation of counterfeit currency undermines the integrity of our financial system and poses a serious threat to the economy,” the ruling stated. “Such actions will not be tolerated, and the judiciary will impose strict penalties to deter future offenses.”