Manama: Oversight efforts by the Labour Fund "Tamkeen," in cooperation with relevant authorities and the Public Prosecution, have led to the detection of cases involving the misuse of support programmes. The Public Prosecution has ordered the referral of Bahraini defendants to criminal court for allegedly submitting false information via the electronic systems of the Social Insurance Organisation (SIO) and Tamkeen, as well as forging and using private documents to unlawfully obtain more than BHD 230,000 from both entities.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Financial Crimes and Money Laundering Prosecution received several reports from Tamkeen and the SIO regarding the exploitation of funds allocated for wage support. The defendants are accused of submitting forged documents and false data through electronic systems to benefit from Tamkeen's support programmes. The support was disbursed based on information verified through electronic linkage between government entities, including the Social Insurance Organisation and the Ministry of Labour.
Tamkeen commended the level of cooperation with the relevant authorities, particularly in promptly reporting any suspected violations of Bahrain's regulations. The organisation emphasised that all cases involving potential criminal conduct such as fictitious employment, wage manipulation or document forgery are referred to the appropriate authorities for legal action. Tamkeen reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oversight mechanisms to safeguard public funds and detect any violations that may result in support being directed to ineligible recipients.
Tamkeen also reiterated its call for all individuals, whether beneficiaries or not, to report any suspected violations through their website, the hotline 17383383, and the email [email protected].