THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN’S NATIONAL RISK ASSESSMENT 2025

23 81. Assessment of theML threats in Bahrain reveal that during 2021-2024, the most prominent proceeds- generating predicate offences that pose ML threats were "drug trafficking" and "fraud". 82. The following table highlights predicate offences threat scores: 83. The purpose of this analysis is to identify the most prevalent predicate offences in the Kingdom, and to estimate the size of the proceeds generated by these crimes. ML Threat – Drug Trafficking Introduction 84. According to the National Committee for Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Crimes, drug trafficking within Bahrain is primarily carried out by small-scale traffickers rather than large criminal organizations with sustainable business models. 85. Drug traffickers are involved in all aspects of the drug trade, from smuggling to trafficking and trading. Despite their small-scale, drug traffickers still require attention, as they pose risks to society and may generate illicit proceeds that can enter the financial system. Addressing these risks involves close coordination between LEAs and supervisory authorities with the use of international cooperation, enhance border control measures and intelligence sharing. Conclusion 86. The post- COVID-19 Pandemic had a significant impact on the sample period as the lift of extensive travel restrictions allowed drug traffickers to restore their efforts after being hampered by the travel restrictions. The renewed efforts by drug traffickers were associated with evolved methods to facilitate drug sales. Such methods relied heavily on emerging trends such as moving proceeds using PREDICATE OFFENCES THREAT SCORES Drug Trafficking MEDIUM HIGH Fraud MEDIUM HIGH Corruption MEDIUM Immorality and Prostitution MEDIUM Cash Courier Violations/ False or Non-Disclosure MEDIUM Forgery MEDIUM LOW Human Trafficking LOW Breach of Trust LOW Theft LOW Tax Evasion LOW