Doha, Qatar – Popular Qatari food chain Poori & Karak has announced a temporary shift to card-only payments at all locations following a substantial embezzlement incident discovered in 2025. The move, effective immediately, aims to enhance financial security and transparency after the company experienced significant losses due to fraudulent cash transactions. This change impacts customers across all of Poori & Karak’s branches in Qatar.
The company confirmed the internal theft involved multiple employees and represented the largest financial loss in its history. Management stated the decision to eliminate cash payments is a precautionary measure while they strengthen internal controls and oversight. No specific amount of the financial loss has been publicly disclosed.
Poori & Karak’s Response to Financial Crime
The decision to go cashless was communicated via a company statement released earlier this week. According to the statement, the fraudulent activity was specifically facilitated through cash handling procedures. This prompted a swift response from Poori & Karak’s leadership to mitigate further risk and protect company assets.
However, the company emphasized this is a temporary adjustment. Poori & Karak intends to reinstate cash payment options once it has implemented robust financial safeguards. The timeline for this reinstatement remains uncertain, dependent on the success of the ongoing internal review and implementation of new systems.
Strengthening Financial Oversight
The company is currently focused on several key areas to improve its financial security. These include a comprehensive review of existing accounting practices, enhanced employee training on fraud prevention, and the implementation of more sophisticated transaction monitoring systems. Additionally, Poori & Karak is reportedly cooperating with local authorities in their investigation of the embezzlement.
Meanwhile, Poori & Karak has publicly expressed confidence in the majority of its workforce, acknowledging their commitment and cooperation during this challenging period. The company also thanked its customers for their understanding as they adapt to the new payment policy. This positive messaging aims to maintain public trust and minimize disruption to business operations.
Impact on Customers and the Qatari Food Service Industry
The transition to card-only payments may present a minor inconvenience for some customers, particularly those who frequently rely on cash transactions. Qatar has a high rate of bank card usage, but cash remains a common payment method, especially for smaller purchases. The move by Poori & Karak could potentially encourage wider adoption of digital payment methods among consumers.
In contrast, other food service businesses in Qatar have not yet announced similar changes. While financial crime is a concern for all businesses, the scale of the incident at Poori & Karak appears to be unique. Industry analysts are watching to see if this case prompts a broader re-evaluation of cash handling procedures within the Qatari hospitality sector. Qatar Living reports increased discussion among residents regarding the change.
The incident highlights the growing importance of robust financial controls in the face of increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. Experts in forensic accounting emphasize the need for regular audits, segregation of duties, and strong internal reporting mechanisms to prevent and detect embezzlement. The case also underscores the potential benefits of transitioning to digital payment systems, which offer greater traceability and accountability.
Looking ahead, Poori & Karak is expected to provide an update on its progress in implementing new financial controls within the next quarter. The company has not specified a firm deadline for reinstating cash payments, stating that the decision will be based on a thorough assessment of the effectiveness of the new measures. The outcome of the ongoing investigation and the speed of implementation will be key factors to watch in the coming months. The long-term impact on Poori & Karak and the wider Qatari food industry remains to be seen.
Related keywords: cashless payments, fraud prevention, Qatar business
