Two held for laundering counterfeit Saudi riyals

They bought mobile phones using fake notes and resold them

DT News Network

Manama--

A native man and woman laundered counterfeit Saudi Riyals by purchasing mobile phones, it has emerged.

The man was reportedly the mastermind of the scheme, while the woman was helping him legalise the cash by buying mobile phones and reselling them later. Mobile phones shop owners said the woman, who was wearing a full-face veil, paid them fake Saudi notes.

According to court files, extensive investigation had been launched to nab her, and detectives learnt the woman was being helped by two men, including the male accused and a BDF officer.

Standing trial separately in a military court, the officer's role was allegedly to import the Saudi notes from Saudi Arabia.

A friend of the male accused's son told prosecutors he went with his friend to receive a sachet full of bills.

"His father asked us to go to someone (the officer) to receive something from him. We met him in Hamala and he gave him (the accused's son) a bag full of money," he told prosecutors.

"We delivered it. The following day when I visited their home, there were a lot of Saudi riyal and US dollar notes on a table," he added.

Court files indicated “the average quality bills” were printed using a PC and scanner.

The pair has been charged on grounds of fraud and forgery.