Bahrain bank staff held for stealing from accounts

TDT | Manama                                                        

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

A bank employee in Bahrain is facing trial on charges of stealing from customers’ accounts as well as money laundering. The accused is alleged to have misappropriated funds exceeding BHD500,000 by exploiting official access to the bank's electronic system, enabling unauthorised entry into multiple client accounts. The employee is also charged with forging cash withdrawal vouchers, activating accounts on the "BenefitPay" application, issuing ATM cards, and utilising them for personal gain.

The Chief Prosecutor of Financial Crimes and Money Laundering revealed that the trial stems from an investigation initiated by the Public Prosecution following a complaint lodged by the bank with the Anti-Corruption Directorate at the General Directorate for Combating Corruption, Economic Security, and Cybercrime.

In the course of the investigation, the Public Prosecution gathered statements from bank officials, experts, and several clients. Additionally, it authorised the National Financial Investigations Centre to freeze the accounts linked to the accused. During questioning by the Public Prosecution, the suspect confessed to the crime, leading to detention and subsequent referral to the High Criminal Court. The court is scheduled to hear the case on January 7, 2024.