Travel agency owner on trial for misusing customer funds

TDT | Manama

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The Lower Criminal Court has commenced proceedings against a travel agency owner accused of embezzling funds from customer travel bookings to Iraq and operating an unlicensed tourism office.

During the court session, the defendant, who is currently in custody, appeared in person and confessed to the charges against him.

The court has set the date of October 10 to deliver its verdict on the case.

Details of the case reveal that the Public Prosecution received complaints from several citizens regarding the travel agency owner.

Travel bookings The victims had contracted him to organise and manage their travel bookings to Iraq.

The defendant collected expenses for travel and accommodation in three cities but failed to remit those payments to the service providers.

This negligence resulted in hotels confiscating the victims’ passports, preventing them from departing for a certain period.

Lack of reservations Additionally, they were unable to complete their trip due to the defendant’s lack of reservations for their stay and travel.

Upon receiving the complaints, the Public Prosecution initiated an investigation, hearing testimonies from the victims and requesting inquiries from the Economic Crime Prevention Directorate within the Ministry of Interior about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

During the interrogation, the defendant admitted to not paying the travel and accommodation expenses and acknowledged that he had used the funds provided by the victims to settle his personal debts.