Fake Funeral, Real Prison: Life Insurance Fraud Lands Brothers and Wife Behind Bars

TDT | Manama

The First High Criminal Court has sentenced two brothers to 10 years in prison each, and the wife of one of them to one year in jail along with a BD2,000 fine, after they forged a death certificate to claim BD188,000 in life insurance.

The court also ordered the three defendants to repay BD5,001 in temporary compensation to the insurance company, confiscated the forged death certificate, and ruled that the first defendant and his wife be deported after completing their sentences.

The Scam
The elaborate scheme began in April 2023, when the first defendant, a 44-year-old investor, insured his life for BD188,000 in favor of his wife. Just four months later, his “death” was reported, backed by a forged death certificate allegedly issued in an Asian country.

Suspicion quickly arose as there was no record of a burial or funeral prayers. Even the gravedigger and local imam denied any knowledge of the supposed death.

Further investigation by the insurance company, supported by private investigators, revealed that the first defendant was very much alive. Testimonies and video evidence confirmed his active role in orchestrating the forgery, with assistance from his brother, a 46-year-old businessman, and his wife.

The Evidence
The forged certificate, complete with official stamps, was presented in Bahrain’s courts in an attempt to secure the insurance payout. The court found the trio guilty of forgery, using forged documents, and attempted fraud, stopping their plan before any payment was made.