Manama: Dr. Ali bin Fadhl Al Buainain, Attorney General, has issued Decision (47) of 2025, which approves a new guidance manual on requests for asset recovery and the enforcement of confiscation orders. This manual was developed to conform with international standards and FATF recommendations, involving collaboration between the Public Prosecution and several national ministries, including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Finance and National Economy, Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf, and the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), with the approval of the Supreme Judicial Council.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the manual provides detailed procedures for recovering assets and proceeds of crime, whether these are requested by national authorities or received from abroad. It outlines the process for enforcing confiscation orders issued by Bahraini courts or foreign judicial bodies and defines the roles of relevant Bahraini institutions in implementing these measures. The guidelines are aligned with national laws and Bahrain's commitments under international agreements, such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC).
Counselor Wael Rashid Buallay, Assistant Attorney General, emphasized that the manual's purpose is to standardize legal procedures for recovery and confiscation, unify institutional practices, enhance transparency, protect the rights of bona fide parties, and uphold legal safeguards. He highlighted that it also facilitates international judicial cooperation by clearly outlining the legal and institutional pathways for asset recovery and enforcement of final confiscation orders.
Buallay further noted that the manual is a reflection of Bahrain's commitment to global crime-fighting efforts, particularly against money laundering and terrorism financing. It supports international collaboration to trace and recover illicit assets across borders. Additionally, the manual complements national procedures designed to prevent criminals from concealing or using crime proceeds abroad and represents a significant step in executing effective and lawful confiscation.
Buallay praised the contributions of various agencies and the AML/CFT Policy Committee, which ensured the manual meets both domestic and international requirements for asset recovery, enforcement, and cooperation.