Bahraini duo held on forgery charges

Man and woman purchased mobile phones using fake Saudi riyals

Manama

 A Bahraini woman and man have appeared yesterday before the High Criminal Court on forgery charges. They were reportedly involved in a money-laundering scheme, in which they attempted to purchase mobile phones using counterfeit Saudi riyals. The man was reportedly the mastermind of the scheme, while the woman was helping him to legalise the cash by buying mobile phones and reselling them later. Mobile phone shops owners said that the woman paid them fake Saudi notes and she was wearing a veil. 

 According to court files, extensive investigations had been launched to nab her, and detectives learned that the woman was being helped by two men, including the mastermind and a BDF officer. Standing trial separately in a military court, the officer's role was allegedly to bring the imported Saudi notes from Saudi Arabia. 

 The friend of the mastermind's son told prosecutors that one day he went with his friend to receive a sachet full of bills. "His father told us to go to someone (the officer) to receive something from him. We met him in Hamala and he gave him (the mastermind's son) a bag full of money," the friend told prosecutors. 

 "We delivered it, and the following day I visited their home and there was a lot of Saudi riyals notes and US dollars on a table," he added.

 Court files indicated that the bills were printed using a PC and scanner. Their trial was adjourned until September 16 for review. However, the duo pleaded innocent.