Head of the Tax Evasion Crimes Unit Ahmed Abdulla Al Ramadan said the unit has, since its establishment by a decision of the Public Prosecutor five years ago, played a key role in protecting the national economy and combating various forms of tax evasion and customs smuggling.
In an interview with our sister paper Akhbar Al Khaleej, Mr Al Ramadan said the unit had handled 273 cases from its establishment through the end of 2025, involving suspects of Arab and foreign nationalities and various types of commercial entities. He said measures taken by the unit had helped secure and recover more than BD11 million through both judicial proceedings and settlements.
He explained that the unit operates as part of an integrated national system under the direct supervision of Public Prosecutor Dr Ali bin Fadhl Al Buainain, in co-ordination with the National Bureau for Revenue, Customs Affairs, the National Financial Intelligence Centre and the Economic Crimes Directorate. Co-operation includes the exchange and analysis of information and data, as well as regular meetings to ensure swift and accurate action.
Mr Al Ramadan said the most common methods of tax evasion include concealing financial information, submitting false invoices or inaccurate data, failing to register for tax despite reaching the statutory threshold, collecting VAT from customers without remitting it to the relevant authorities, and unlawfully claiming tax refunds.
He said digital transformation had strengthened the authorities’ ability to detect violations by analysing financial data, sales and purchasing activity, point-of-sale reports and inventory records. The unit employs a strategy combining proactive monitoring with the investigation of reports and complaints.
Mr Al Ramadan noted that Bahrain’s legislation provides for stringent penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years in certain cases, with penalties doubled for repeat offences. Other penalties include fines, confiscation of assets and requiring offenders to pay outstanding dues.
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