A warning has been issued over the potential misuse of TikTok for money laundering schemes.
While content creators on the popular social media platform earn revenue through live streaming and digital gifts, authorities caution that these mechanisms could be exploited to convert illicit funds into legitimate cash or to conceal money transfers through fake accounts.
General Directorate of Anti-corruption and Economic and Electronic Security director-general Colonel Ahmed Al Romaihi urged social media users to act responsibly and avoid publishing content that violates the law or undermines civil peace and social cohesion.
Col Al Romaihi expressed concern over TikTok, which he argued could be used to launder money.
“There are risks associated with its potential exploitation in money laundering crimes,” he told Akhbar Al Khaleej.
“Content creators receive revenues through reward programmes, live streaming and digital gifts, which are converted into monetary amounts deposited into their bank accounts or through electronic payment platforms.
“However, this mechanism could provide an entry point for exploiting the platform in money laundering schemes, where digital gifts may be purchased with illicit funds and then converted into seemingly legitimate cash.
“Additionally, fake accounts may be used to transfer money between multiple parties to conceal its origin.”
Meanwhile, Cybercrime Prosecution head Zahra Murad affirmed that protecting digital security and combating threats and violations of public decency is a shared national responsibility.
“Bahraini society is known for its authentic traditions, solid values, and adherence to ethical and religious customs,” she said.
“Publishing any content that promotes acts contrary to moral principles constitute a clear violation of public order.”
She also revealed that the Public Prosecution has initiated investigations into 842 cases of misuse of communication platforms within the past eight months.
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