Bahraini man convicted in deceptive scheme targeting women

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

A Bahraini man in his 40s has been convicted of defrauding two women by posing as a successful businessman and a mystical healer.

The High Appeals Court upheld the lower court’s verdict, sentencing him to two years in prison and a fine of BD1,000.

The first victim met the man during a tourist trip, where he introduced himself as a tobacco and nut trader. He claimed to be able to invest her money and generate substantial profits.

To bolster his claims, he took her to a rented villa in Amwaj, where security guards saluted him and showed her a Porsche he claimed belonged to his sister.

He also took her to jewellery stores, claiming ownership, and sent her pictures of a nut factory, alleging it was his.

Convinced by his facade, the victim handed him BD3,300 in installments for investment. However, after receiving the money, he disappeared.

The victim realised she had been scammed and reported the incident to the police.

Healer’s help

Meanwhile, the first victim introduced her friend, the second victim, to the man, unaware he was the same individual.

The second victim sought the “healer’s” help to cure an illness.

He demanded BD1,000 for his services, which the second victim paid through the first victim.

Suspecting foul play, the two women devised a plan to catch the man.

They asked him to perform a love spell for BD800 and arranged a meeting at a mall parking lot.

They alerted the police, who apprehended the man upon his arrival.

During the trial, the man confessed to his crimes. The court found him guilty of fraud and impersonation, upholding the original sentence.