Financial Crime World

Title: Bahrain’s Holistic Approach to Anti-Corruption and Cybersecurity: Combating Financial Crimes

Leading the Charge against Financial Crimes and Corruption

Bahrain is setting an example in the fight against financial crimes and corruption with a comprehensive, inclusive strategy. This approach is evidenced by regular national campaigns and the establishment of Nazaha 992, Bahrain’s anti-corruption hotline, which went live on International Anti-Corruption Day in 2009.

An Environment of Trust and Accountability

By treating corruption as a significant hindrance to development, investment, and public services, Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior aims to create an environment where citizens trust their government and conduct business with confidence. The General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security is at the forefront of this initiative, partnering with the community to combat crime and maintain transparency.

Nazaha 992: Bridging the Gap

Nazaha 992, Bahrain’s national anti-corruption hotline, serves as a vital communication tool between the public and the Ministry of Interior. Citizens can report suspected cases of corruption, acting as a deterrent for potential offenders and confirming the authorities’ unwavering commitment to addressing such instances. Confidentiality and whistleblower protection are priority, ensuring the integrity of reported information.

Transparency and Accountability

Financial disclosure is a cornerstone of anti-corruption regulations in Bahrain. Public officials are required to provide a detailed report of their financial interests and holdings through this process. Identifying potential conflicts of interest and red flags, anti-corruption regulations promote accountability and transparency, ensuring that government officials act in the best interests of their constituents.

Combating Cybercrimes

The General Directorate of Anti-corruption and Economic and Electronic Security not only tackles domestic financial crimes but also addresses cybercrimes through their Cybercrime Directorate.

entities of the General Directorate

  • Anti-Corruption Crime Directorate: Investigating offenses involving public servants, including bribery, embezzlement, exploitation, and abuse of trust, as outlined in the Penal Code.
  • Anti-Economic Crime Directorate: Targeting fraud, breach of trust, forgery, counterfeiting, and related offenses.
  • Financial Investigation Directorate: Combating money laundering, terrorist finance, and cross-border monetary transfers.
  • Cybercrime Directorate: Addressing all cybercrimes, protecting against electronic theft, hacking, defamation, harassment, and extortion.
  • International Affairs & Interpol Directorate: Collaborating with international law enforcement agencies and overseeing communications with counterparts in INTERPOL member states.
  • System Detection Directorate: Gathering intelligence, conducting investigations, and drafting security and intelligence reports on all cases handled by the aforementioned departments.

International Collaboration

Bahrain’s dedication to combating financial crimes transcends its borders. The country is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and a founding member of the MENA-FATF. This commitment to compliance with international standards is instrumental in the battle against financial crimes.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce and its Anti-Money Laundering Department and the Central Bank of Bahrain are also significant players in this endeavor. The Central Bank has established a Compliance Directorate to lead its anti-money laundering, terrorist financing, and financial crime efforts.