Bahraini man accused of conspiring with fugitive in Iran to renew passport

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: mail@newsobahrain.com

A 40-year-old Bahraini man stands accused of conspiring with a fugitive in Iran to fraudulently renew his passport, a case that has drawn significant attention in the High Criminal Court. The defendant has denied the allegations, which include forging passport stamps and extending the passport’s validity for the years 2017, 2019, and 2024 while residing in Iran.

The unfolding legal drama involves two defendants. The first, currently evading capture, is accused of forging signatures and stamps from the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs (NPRA).

He allegedly produced a counterfeit Bahraini passport intended to be used as a genuine document. Forgery Prosecutors claim the second defendant, the 40-year-old man, played a crucial role in this conspiracy by providing his passport and personal details to the fugitive, enabling the forgery. He is further accused of presenting the forged passport to officials with full knowledge of its fraudulent status.

As per the case details, the defendant was apprehended at Bahrain International Airport after authorities discovered his expired passport.

He had sought the fugitive’s assistance to renew it, despite being aware of the fugitive’s criminal background and his own outstanding warrants.

Consultancy

Investigators uncovered that the fugitive operated a consultancy in Iran that specialised in forging passport stamps and signatures for Bahraini nationals wanted by law enforcement.

Additionally, it was revealed that the defendant’s father had previously submitted an online application for a passport replacement, which was rejected due to non-compliance with the required regulations.

In February 2023, the defendant also secured a transit visa from the Bahraini embassy in the UAE.

Key evidence presented by the prosecution includes testimony from a passport specialist who identified signs of tampering on the defendant’s passport and confirmed that the extensions were invalid.

Passport extensions

A senior official corroborated this, stating that passport extensions for citizens outside Bahrain must be handled through official embassies or consulates, not through unofficial means.

Forensic analysis confirmed that the passport stamps in question were entirely fabricated. The High Criminal Court adjourned proceedings until November 12, granting the defense attorneys, Najla Ali Baqer and Hawra, time to review the evidence and prepare their case.