Bahrain Dismantles IRGC-Linked Network; 41 Suspects Detained

The Advocate General and Head of the Terror Crimes Prosecution stated that the Public Prosecution has commenced investigations into the dismantling of the main organization linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the ideology of Wilayat al-Faqih. The organization was allegedly formed by members of the dissolved Islamic Scholars Council and was engaged in promoting the ideology of Wilayat al-Faqih and its extremist concepts, advocating loyalty to the Supreme Jurist in Iran above loyalty to the homeland and its constitutional system.

According to the statement, the organization aimed to facilitate Iranian interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain through exerting influence over mosques, mourning halls (ma’atems), and religious seminaries (hawzas), and by exploiting their platforms to disseminate its ideology, alongside delivering inflammatory sermons against the interests of the nation. The group is also accused of recruiting individuals to join its activities, study the doctrine of Wilayat al-Faqih in Iran, and promote it within Bahrain.

The investigations further revealed allegations that the organization sought to marginalize and intimidate religious scholars who opposed the doctrine of Wilayat al-Faqih, issuing religious rulings against them, subjecting them to ideological intimidation, and, in some cases, threatening the use of violence. Additionally, members allegedly collected and utilized funds to support and finance the organization’s activities aimed at spreading the ideology of Wilayat al-Faqih and loyalty to Iran’s Supreme Leader on both religious and political grounds, as well as fueling unrest and supporting acts of terrorism, rioting, and sabotage.

The prosecutor noted that the Public Prosecution has interrogated the forty-one arrested suspects, with some represented by legal counsel. All suspects were afforded the legal safeguards guaranteed by law. The Prosecution ordered their detention pending investigation and authorized the disclosure and freezing of their bank accounts and assets.

He further explained that authorities seized numerous materials promoting the ideology of Wilayat al-Faqih, in addition to sums of money. Investigations have indicated that the suspects committed various offenses affecting national security, public safety, and financial integrity. The inquiry also uncovered that funds were collected to finance the organization, with some of the money allegedly transferred to Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon to support and finance terrorist organizations there.

The investigations further established that some suspects personally benefited from the collected funds by using them for private purposes and personal expenses, including the purchase of gold jewelry, real estate, vehicles, and the payment of their children’s educational expenses.

The Public Prosecution confirmed that investigations are still ongoing and that a further statement detailing the final results will be issued upon their completion.