Cook on Trial in BD899 Fraud Case

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

23-year-old accused of receiving money stolen in an online scam

A 23-year-old cook has appeared before the High Criminal Court for helping an online fraud network steal BD899 from a victim’s bank account.

The Public Prosecution said the defendant worked with unidentified individuals who used the victim’s electronic signature and one-time password (OTP) to carry out fraudulent transactions.

The case began after the victim received a message appearing to be from a bank, claiming his account had been suspended and directing him to a link. After entering his OTP, he discovered that BD899 had been withdrawn in two transactions.

An Economic Crimes Department officer said the bank confirmed that the money was received by the defendant, who later withdrew it from an ATM.

Investigations allegedly linked him to a wider network involved in online fraud, with his role being to receive money taken from victims and transfer it to members outside Bahrain.

The defendant admitted receiving the money but said another person had instructed him to withdraw it and hand it over in cash. He did not provide supporting evidence or witnesses.

Security camera footage also showed him withdrawing the money.

The court scheduled August 16 to appoint a lawyer to represent the defendant.