THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN’S NATIONAL RISK ASSESSMENT 2025

45 for individuals or entities designated by United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1267 and 1373. The primary objective of this immediate action is to prevent the dissipation of assets during the crucial period between the identification of a designated individual or entity and the formal imposition of the asset freeze. 212. In line with the Kingdom's legal framework for combating terrorism and terrorist financing, all individuals and entities designated by the following authorities are subject to the following procedures: - TFS obligations are implemented once published by the UNSC for UN lists or by the Cabinet for national lists. - Joint Counter Terrorism Center (JCTC) within the Ministry of Interior follows up on the proper implementation of sanctions by all obliged entities and competent authorities. - Freezing must be implemented without delay (maximum 24 hours). - There’s a TFS portal that makes it easy for the JCTC to communicate listing, de-listing and changes to competent authorities, and receive feedback on the actions taken and assets frozen. 213. The Kingdom actively participates in global initiatives against terrorism. Bahrain contributes to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. It is also an active member of the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC), co-chaired by the United States and Saudi Arabia, and engages with other GCC members to combat terrorism financing. Bahrain is a founding member of MENAFATF, hosting its Secretariat in Manama. 214. FIs and most of DNFBPs use tools and systems to screen customers against TFS lists in order to comply with United Nations Security Council Resolutions and national designation measures. These screening tools, often integrated within customer due diligence (CDD) and ongoing monitoring processes, enable them to automatically detect potential matches between clients (including beneficial owners) and individuals or entities designated for terrorism and terrorism financing. The use of such screening mechanisms enhances the overall effectiveness of Bahrain’s CFT framework by ensuring early detection, timely reporting, and freezing of assets where applicable. 215. The Kingdom maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding terrorism financing, allocating all necessary tools and resources directly toward mitigating this risk. Multiple law enforcement agencies (LEAs) collaborate closely to combat terrorism and its financing, emphasizing its status as a national priority. 216. Consequently, the Kingdom has witnessed a notable decline in terrorism-related crimes during the sample period compared to previous years, reflecting the effectiveness of national efforts to deter such activities and disrupt plots at an early stage. The arrest and subsequent convictions of key orchestrators of past terrorist operations have further acted as a deterrent, discouraging their associates and dissuading potential recruits, thereby contributing to the overall reduction in terrorist activities. Case Study No. 5 – Dismantling a Terrorist Network :