Bahrain continues to play an active role in global law enforcement efforts, with authorities handing over 11 internationally wanted persons and receiving 19 fugitives this year as part of enhanced international police co-operation.
The figures were highlighted by Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa as the kingdom joins countries around the world in marking International Day of Police Co-operation today.
He said the interior ministry continues to strengthen international security co-operation in line with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad and under the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
In a statement marking the occasion, the minister stressed that international police co-operation has become increasingly important as crime extends beyond national borders and evolves through technological advances and modern communication networks.
“This makes the exchange of information and expertise, as well as the enhancement of joint security efforts, highly important in confronting criminal gangs and chasing fugitives,” he said.
“The ministry continues to strengthen co-operation with brotherly and friendly countries while benefiting from the international co-operation framework provided by the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol). Such co-operation enables the rapid exchange of information, supports joint security operations, facilitates the arrest of wanted individuals and enhances national capabilities to combat international crime.”
The Directorate of International Affairs and Interpol, operating under the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security, handed over 11 internationally wanted persons to requesting countries during 2026 and received 19 fugitives from abroad.
General Shaikh Rashid said the figures reflected the effectiveness of co-operation and co-ordination in law enforcement.
In the fight against drug trafficking, the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science exchanged 65 pieces of information with authorities in nine countries, supporting joint efforts to combat drug smuggling and trafficking networks.
The minister also highlighted efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
The Financial Intelligence National Centre received 49 requests and issued 30 requests to counterpart agencies abroad, in addition to handling 37 requests through other forms of co-operation. He said these efforts contributed to strengthening global action against financial crimes and the financing of illegal activities.
“International police co-operation now plays a central role in modern policing, extending beyond the pursuit of offenders to include the protection of victims, locating missing persons, recovering stolen property, combating cybercrime and tackling organised crime,” General Shaikh Rashid said.
He also underlined the need to continually develop policing tools and methods in response to increasingly sophisticated criminal techniques, including the use of artificial intelligence, modern technology and data analysis to enhance the speed and accuracy of investigations and information exchange.
“On this occasion, the Interior Ministry expresses appreciation for Interpol’s efforts in supporting law enforcement agencies worldwide, facilitating information sharing and strengthening mechanisms for international co-operation in combating organised and cross-border crime,” the statement said.
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