Bahrain Earns Global Recognition for Advancing Alternative Sentencing and Combating Trafficking
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
The Coast Guard continues efforts to promote maritime security by using modern vessels and automatic identification devices. Its security fence project includes many phases, including launching an integrated marine fleet of modern boats equipped with the latest technology and establishing a comprehensive marine operations centre to enhance marine control and supervision. In addition, a special directorate for marine control will be established to tackle illegal acts, regulate fishing, and protect the marine environment.
In fighting economic crimes, 43,757 cases were reported from 2015 to 2024. In the last five years, the total amount of money related to this type of crime amounted to more than BD20 million, as 14,294 cases were registered, and many criminal operations were thwarted.
The Financial Intelligence National Centre achieved a remarkable milestone in fighting terrorism financing and money laundering, in which more than BD36 million was seized in 2023.
From 2011 to April this year, 10,028 cybercrime cases were reported, including cyber scams and posting news or images that violate the privacy of individuals or families.
Modern Security Directorates
Over the past twenty-five years, the Interior Ministry has been keen to establish modern security directorates that keep pace with global developments, including the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security, the Financial Intelligence National Centre, and a directorate specialised in combating human trafficking, which has contributed to strengthening Bahrain’s international status, and has maintained its Tier 1 ranking, the highest in the classification, for the seventh consecutive year in the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report.
The Interior Ministry also introduced many projects, including the security geographic system and the unified criminal system. The Royal Academy of Police also continued its advanced educational and training role by launching new master’s programmes. The Academy’s pace-sticking team continues to win for the eleventh time in the world championship organised by the British Royal College (Sandhurst) since the beginning of its participation in 2009.
Unprecedented Level of Electronic Services
The e-services of the Interior Ministry increased to an unprecedented level within the framework of expanding the use of technology and modern techniques in the security and service sectors. In this context, the main operations room launched an emergency line to deal with the deaf and mute and provide a security team fluent in multiple languages and dialects to deal with various cases. The General Directorate of Traffic worked to enhance its performance to reduce traffic accidents and violations, especially by implementing the new traffic law in 2014 and launching modern patrols to improve traffic safety.
Statistics showed a decline in injury accidents, speeding violations, and phone use while driving. The Information and eGovernment Authority has provided more than 680 e-services and more than 20 national e-systems, in addition to multiple e-channels that have contributed to completing transactions with ease.
The launch of e-visas was part of the services, followed by the e-passport launched by HE the Interior Minister in March 2023. This represents a qualitative leap in facilitating travel and movement procedures and is one of the initiatives to develop the services of Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs launched by the cabinet as part of the economic recovery plan.
In the same context, Customs Affairs proceeded with its modern plans and projects to enforce the law and provide the best services. Statistics indicated that the rate of scanning trucks and containers by X-rays at customs points reached 19,500 trucks, according to the new project, and the change rate was 34.3%.
The law establishing governorates was issued at the beginning of the new millennium. Governorates continue to strengthen community partnerships and consolidate communication with citizens. They are also working to reach “healthy cities” within the framework of the Healthy Cities Programme under the World Health Organisation.
Security Awareness Projects
Security awareness projects have remained strongly present. They began with the formation of the Police Media Centre in 2008, one of the results of the development and modernisation strategy of HE the Interior Minister. The centre works to provide professional police media content by releasing media content on various media platforms. For example, the number of followers of the Ministry of Interior’s account on the X platform reached about half a million. Al Amn Radio show, Al Amn monthly and periodic magazines continue to promote security awareness, along with the “Watani” magazine launched in September 2014. Watani, a children’s magazine, started printing its content in Braille for blind children to reach more readers.
On 3 November 2023, HE the Interior Minister launched the National Civil Protection Platform as a distinguished awareness framework in public safety by providing educational information and awareness to confront emergencies.
5 Years Since the Launch of Bahrainouna
In 2024, the executive office of the National Plan to Promote the Spirit of Belonging to the Nation and Reinforce the Values of Nationalism (Bahrainouna) celebrated its 5th anniversary, which was approved by the cabinet based on an initiative by HE the Interior Minister. The plan included three phases, of which the current stage consists of the digital transformation of its initiatives and the organising of the Bahraini identity reinforcing forum in 2025.
The Interior Ministry has achieved advanced international rankings, and its directorates have won prestigious awards. In 2019, the Bahrain Police celebrated its 100th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of establishing the Women’s Police and ranked fourth globally in the International Security Index. In 2020, HE the Interior Minister presented HM the King with the Prince Nayef Medal for Arab Security, which was awarded to him at the meeting of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers.
Bahrain also achieved first place in the Arab world in the Basel Anti-Money Laundering Index and chaired the World Customs Organisation.
Bahraini women in the Interior Ministry, represented by the Women Police, have been able to enhance their status. Several directorates, including the Human Resources Directorate, have also won Stevie Awards for Excellence and Innovation. The Police Band also participated in 3,492 local and international events from 1999 to 2024. The Ministry of Interior’s sports teams have continued to achieve honourable successes.
On the occasion of the silver jubilee of HM the King’s accession and the Bahrain Police Day, the Interior Ministry, on behalf of its affiliates, renews the pledge and loyalty to HM the King and continues to be under his leadership of the nation.
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