Court Appoints New Lawyer in BD483,000 Endowments Fraud Trial

Hearing adjourned to July 19 as defence counsel withdraws from the case

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

High Criminal Court has appointed a new lawyer to represent a department head at the General Directorate of Jaafari Endowments after his defence counsel withdrew from the case, adjourning the trial to July 19.

The defendant's lawyer cited an inability to reach an agreement with his client as grounds for withdrawal, which the court accepted before ordering new legal representation.

The 45-year-old, who served as a Sharia researcher and general coordinator of the Charitable Endowments and Assistance Committee, faces charges of embezzling BD483,107 from the directorate between 2022 and 2025.

Prosecutors allege he submitted both genuine and fabricated assistance applications, recorded false entries in committee minutes, secured approvals, then diverted cheques into personal accounts and commercial companies. He also allegedly deposited funds into unwitting individuals' accounts before reclaiming portions under false pretences.

Defendant accused of laundering over BD404,000 through loans, property and vehicle purchases

Additional charges include laundering BD404,844, stealing official records, attempting to embezzle a further BD58,500, forging documents with fabricated signatures, and unlawfully using official seals — including a forged letter approving BD160,000 in personal loan repayments.