24/05/2026
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24/05/2026
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MANAMA, May 24: The High Criminal Court in Bahrain has issued its verdict in two separate terrorism-related cases involving 11 defendants accused of spying for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to a statement from the Head of the Terrorism Crimes Prosecution.
The court sentenced nine defendants to life imprisonment, while the remaining two received three-year prison terms. All seized materials connected to the cases were ordered to be confiscated.
Prosecutors said the defendants were involved in activities aimed at gathering intelligence on vital installations inside Bahrain and passing the information to the IRGC with the intent of supporting hostile and terrorist operations targeting the Kingdom’s security and interests.
According to details of the first case, investigations by the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Evidence revealed that a fugitive first defendant, allegedly working for the IRGC, recruited an individual inside Bahrain and instructed him to monitor and photograph sensitive facilities. The second defendant reportedly carried out surveillance operations, including renting hotel rooms and apartments near key sites to observe and document activity, before transmitting the collected information to the alleged handler.
Investigators further stated that a third defendant, who operates in money exchange and cryptocurrency transactions and maintains business ties in Iran, facilitated financial transfers using Iranian and Bahraini accounts. He is accused of channeling funds in Iranian toman and converting them into Bahraini dinars to support operational activities.
The court also heard that two additional defendants assisted by providing cover for surveillance operations, allegedly visiting the second defendant during the execution of tasks to divert suspicion, despite being aware of the nature of the activities.
The second case involved similar allegations, where a fugitive defendant allegedly recruited another individual inside Bahrain and tasked him with identifying and recruiting additional operatives. That defendant is accused of enlisting four others, who were assigned to monitor, photograph, and collect information on critical infrastructure and transmit it to the alleged network.
Prosecutors said the investigation was launched immediately upon receiving reports, with authorities interrogating the arrested suspects, examining seized electronic devices, and hearing witness testimony. Technical experts were also appointed to analyze digital evidence.
Officials stated that investigators concluded the defendants had provided sensitive data that could have supported hostile and terrorist activities targeting vital facilities in Bahrain.
The Public Prosecution referred the case to the High Criminal Court, which reviewed it over multiple sessions. Authorities said all legal safeguards were observed, including the right to defense and legal representation, before the court issued its final ruling.
