Verdict Set in BD192k Case

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The First High Criminal Court will deliver its verdict on October 28th in the case of a director of a centre affiliated with the Ministry of Social Development accused of embezzling more than BD192,000, laundering part of the funds, and committing several administrative violations including unlicensed fundraising and contract forgery.

According to the Public Prosecution, the defendant, a public employee, unlawfully seized BD192,351.242 belonging to the ministry by issuing cheques in the names of goodfaith individuals before appropriating the funds for himself. He allegedly collected monetary and in-kind donations, such as coupons and Ramadan food baskets, without the required licence or notification to the ministry, diverting part of the donations for his personal benefit.

Systematic scheme

Investigators said the director followed a calculated method by signing blank cheques in advance, later issuing them to drivers or staff who withdrew the cash and handed it over to him, after which he deposited the money into his personal bank accounts. Financial analysis between January 2019 and July 2024 showed BD78,188.750 in deposits and transfers through the centre’s accounts and a marked rise in the defendant’s personal transactions compared with his declared income.

The prosecution charged him with aiding a co-defendant, the owner of a labour supply firm, in falsifying contracts for cleaning workers. The forged deal indicated a BD520 monthly rate while the worker’s actual salary was BD140, with the difference allegedly pocketed by the director. The investigation also found he withheld employee wage subsidies during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite ministry funding covering staff salaries.

Misused donations

Auditors discovered that the director had channelled donations to pay bonuses, gifts, and event expenses at the centre, as well as to offer informal loans to social cases. The total value of cheques issued by him reached BD157,256.542, highlighting the alleged scope of embezzlement.

Authorities concluded that the accused exploited his official position, misused the centre’s accounts, and conducted unauthorised financial operations outside legitimate ministry oversight. The court is expected to announce its final verdict in the case on October 28th.