The Court of Cassation in Bahrain has upheld the conviction of a 61-year-old accountant for embezzling documents and demanding 100,000 dinars in exchange for returning them to a former owner of a company. The defendant was sentenced to seven years in prison and a 10,000 dinar fine. The court also ordered his permanent expulsion from the country and the confiscation of his seized items.
The case began when the defendant, who was appointed as a public official by the civil court, embezzled funds and documents between January 30, 2017, and 2023. He was designated as the liquidator of a company by a court ruling in 2016 but was later removed from this role in 2020. Despite his removal, he retained company documents and seals, demanding money for their return from a former owner.
The Public Prosecution received a complaint from the Anti-Corruption Directorate about the defendant’s possession of company documents that he failed to return after his role as a liquidator ended. An investigation confirmed the allegations, and surveillance of the defendant’s phone revealed that he was indeed holding the documents and had requested money for their return. He was arrested during a meeting to collect the demanded amount, and a search of his residence uncovered the embezzled documents and seals.
During the court proceedings, the Public Prosecutor presented evidence of the defendant’s crimes, including testimonies from witnesses and material evidence such as documentation of his requests for money in exchange for the documents. Video evidence also captured the moment the defendant received the money. The prosecution highlighted the defendant’s admission of retaining the documents obtained during his tenure as a liquidator, further solidifying the case against him.
The court found the defendant guilty of embezzlement and demanding money in exchange for company documents, sentencing him to seven years in prison and a fine. He was also permanently expelled from the country, and his seized items were confiscated. The court ordered the return of the embezzled company documents to their rightful owner, bringing justice to the case and holding the defendant accountable for his actions.
This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of financial crimes and corruption. It shows that those who engage in illegal activities such as embezzlement will be held accountable for their actions and face severe penalties. The swift action of the Public Prosecution and law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting the defendant demonstrates the commitment of Bahrain to upholding the rule of law and combating financial crimes.
Overall, the Court of Cassation’s decision to uphold the conviction of the defendant sends a strong message that financial crimes will not be tolerated in Bahrain. It emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in the corporate sector, ensuring that individuals who abuse their positions for personal gain will face justice. This case sets a precedent for holding individuals accountable for their actions and protecting the interests of businesses and the public from corrupt practices.
