THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN’S NATIONAL RISK ASSESSMENT 2025

46 In 2021, during a routine surveillance patrol, LEAs discovered an unattended package placed next to an ATM. A crime scene specialized team was dispatched to the scene and safely opened the package, uncovering equipment that was, or could have been, used in a terrorist act. CASE SPECIFICS: Following a thorough investigation, the LEAs identified two suspects responsible for leaving the package. Based on these findings, the FINC initiated a parallel financial investigation jointly with Criminal Investigation Directorate. The analysis revealed that the two suspects were part of a wider network, leading to the identification of 12 additional individuals. This brought the total number of linked suspects to 14. The financial analysis indicated that members of the group were exploiting the financial system to finance and support potential terrorist activities. The methods observed included: Obtaining suspicious loans, conducting structured transfers via ancillary service providers and wire transfers, making repeated large cash withdrawals, depositing funds from unknown income sources, receiving cheques from unidentified entities, and Moving funds through money changers. These patterns demonstrated a coordinated effort to conceal the origins and intended use of the funds. OUTCOMES: As a results of the financial analysis and after a thorough investigation and legal proceedings, 13 individuals were found guilty. The perpetrators and their sentences were as follows: Life imprisonment Perpetrators: 1, 2, 3, 4 15 years imprisonment Perpetrators: 5, 7, 8, 9 10 years imprisonment + 100,000 BHD fine Perpetrators: 6, 11, 13 5 years imprisonment Perpetrators: 10, 13 3 years imprisonment Perpetrator: 14 Confiscated proceeds: The proceeds derived from the criminal activities were confiscated in accordance with the law. The successful dismantling of the terrorist network represents a significant achievement for FINC. Terrorist organizations pose a serious threat to the integrity of the Kingdom’s financial system and national security. This case demonstrates FINC’s capacity to detect, analyse, and disrupt such networks through the effective use of financial intelligence and the analysis of suspicious activity. TERRORIST FINANCING RISK AT SECTORAL LEVEL Terrorist Financing Risk at a Sectoral Level