Fake ‘healer’ on trial for laundering BD100,000

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

A man accused of laundering BD100,000, allegedly obtained by deceiving a Bahraini couple into believing their land was cursed, is now facing trial in the First High Criminal Court. The trial has been postponed until next Sunday to allow the defendant to be brought from custody.

The defendant, who posed as a Quranic healer, convinced the couple that he could lift a curse from their property, persuading them to transfer ownership of the land into his name. He also allegedly demanded BD19,000 for spiritual treatments, gold jewellery worth BD7,000, and two cars.

One victim testified that the defendant used “blessed” honey and water, causing him to become disoriented and unaware of his actions. Using this ruse, the defendant obtained cash, vehicles, jewellery, and the land itself. Prosecutors say he later sold the land, disposed of the proceeds, sold one of the cars, and transferred ownership of the other to his brother.

Between 2020 and 2022, the defendant allegedly laundered the proceeds of his crimes to make them appear legitimate. The land was sold for BD96,000, with BD41,700 retained in cash. Investigations revealed that while the sale was reported at BD83,000, no such amount appeared in his bank records, and he had never held such funds. Further inquiries showed the property was sold for BD65,000 in cheques and BD31,000 in cash.

The cars obtained from the victims were also traced: one was transferred to the defendant in September 2020 and sold, while the other was registered in his name a month later and given to his brother.

In court this week, the defendant’s lawyer requested more time to prepare a defence and review case files, while the victims’ lawyer, Zahraa Fardan, sought an extension to file a civil claim. The prosecution called for the charges to be upheld.

The defendant, with a history of similar offences, is now charged with money laundering and fraud. The court will resume proceedings on 1 December.