Two people are set to stand trial for allegedly trying to smuggle luxury watches out of the country without declaring them to customs, the Public Prosecution announced.
The suspects, identified only as ‘Asian’, are also accused of unlawfully obtaining value-added tax (VAT) refunds worth almost BD310,000, which only tourists can benefit from.
“The men were at Bahrain International Airport and a Customs Affairs officer asked if they had money in their possession to declare,” read the statement.
“They said ‘no’, and when they were searched, four luxury watches were found, hidden in a way to prevent them from being easily discovered.
“Upon questioning, they admitted to purchasing luxury watches in Bahrain, then reselling them in other countries.”
A National Audit Office report also indicated that they submitted 182 VAT refund requests and the returned VAT they received equalled to a BD309,755.
“The suspects benefited from an amenity meant for tourists, although they were conducting a business activity,” the prosecution alleged.
The High Criminal Court will hear the case on October 26.
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