Bahraini Bank Staff Accused for Stealing Money from Clients' Accounts

A Bahraini bank employee is facing trial charges for stealing from customers' accounts and for money laundering. 

The accused is charged with having misappropriated funds of more than BD500,000 by exploiting access to the bank's electronic systems and gaining access to various clients' accounts. 

The bank employee is also accused of forging cash withdrawal vouchers, operating accounts on BenefitPay, issuing ATM cards, and using these accounts and cards for personal benefits. 

How Did the Case Come to Light?

The case came to light when the bank filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Directorate at the General Directorate for Combating Corruption, Economic Security, and Cybercrime. 

Following the complaint, an investigation was initiated by the Public Prosecution. 

The Chief Prosecutor of Financial Crimes and Money Laundering is carrying out the trial.

The Investigation

The Public Prosecution gathered statements from bank officials, experts, and many clients.

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The Public Prosecution also directed the National Financial Investigations Center to freeze the accounts linked to the accused. 

The accused confessed to the crime during the questioning by the Public Prosecution, which led to the accused's arrest and referral of the case to the High Court.

The court hearing is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2024.