Fake e-funds data

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The First High Criminal Court has handed down prison sentences and heavy fines against 10 defendants convicted in a major fraud case involving more than BD230,000 in unlawfully obtained social insurance and Tamkeen funds.

Two of the accused were sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined BD100,000 each, while eight others received one-year prison terms and fines of BD500 apiece.

The court also suspended the three-year prison sentence of the seventh defendant on the condition that the stolen funds are repaid to the Social Insurance Organization (SIO).

Suspects

According to the Financial Crimes and Money Laundering Prosecution, the group — three men and seven women — forged documents and entered false data into the electronic systems of the SIO and Tamkeen to create fictitious employment periods.

These falsifications allowed them to unlawfully claim retirement pensions, end-of-service benefits, and lump-sum compensations.

They also fraudulently secured more than BD141,000 in Tamkeen wage support funds.

Irregularities

The scheme came to light after irregularities were reported by both the SIO and Tamkeen.

Authorities launched a joint investigation, freezing the defendants’ assets and imposing travel bans.

The Anti-Corruption and Economic Security Directorate confirmed the organized fraud, while the National Financial Intelligence Center tracked suspicious financial activity.

Employment contracts

Forensic experts later authenticated the forged employment contracts.

The Public Prosecution charged the defendants with falsifying electronic records, forging private documents, and unlawfully obtaining public funds.

Officials said the ruling underscores the seriousness of financial crimes targeting staterun social and labor support programs, warning that such offenses carry severe penalties.