Fuel card scam unravels as 10-year term faces appeal

TDT | Manama

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A senior public sector employee sentenced to 10 years in prison for fuel card fraud and embezzlement of public funds will have his appeal heard by the First High Criminal Court of Appeal on Sunday.

Case files show that the defendant carried out repeated unauthorised fuel card withdrawals without actual refuelling, with the proceeds shared among those involved.

Investigations revealed that the total misappropriated amount reached BD7,280.75, involving 212 government vehicles. The fraud was uncovered during a routine semi-annual audit, which flagged irregular fuel transactions and invoices exceeding the fuel capacity of official vehicles.

The case also involves 11 other defendants, including fuel station employees, who received prison sentences ranging from six months to three years. The court also imposed fines equal to the misappropriated amounts, while five defendants are to be deported after serving their sentences.

The Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security Directorate confirmed the coordinated nature of the scheme, describing it as a sustained abuse of official positions to siphon public funds over time.

The Public Prosecution had earlier ordered the defendants’ pre-trial detention before referring the case to the criminal court, which issued the initial rulings. The upcoming appeal will offer a final opportunity to contest the verdicts, although prosecutors say the evidence is extensive and conclusive.