Anti-corruption

The Kingdom of Bahrain is setting a new standard in transparent governance. Bahrain's dedicated approach to combating corruption stands as a cornerstone in its journey towards transparent governance and ethical practices.

Bahrain is at the forefront of a groundbreaking campaign against corruption, bringing together every layer of society in a unified front. As part of its commitment towards international collaboration, the Kingdom has signed international conventions, including the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in 2005, demonstrating its commitment to international cooperation in the fight against corruption driven by its belief that integrity is essential for sustainable society and national economic growth.

The General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security, under the Ministry of Interior, is the key governmental entity that spearheads this crusade, fostering community partnerships to eradicate crime and corruption. The General Directorate of Anti-corruption and Economic and Electronic Security in Bahrain plays a pivotal role in uncovering and investigating cybercrimes. They diligently process reports submitted through their Direct Online Request. It is a powerhouse of specialized divisions focusing on:

• Public sector crimes like bribery and embezzlement

• Fraud and forgery in its many forms

• Crimes related to Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

• Tackling the evolving threats in the Digital Space

• Global cooperation in security and law enforcement

• Supporting other divisions with intelligence core and gathering and analyzing data

Bahrain has launched several innovative initiatives linked to foster integrity and anti-corruption. Nazaha 992 is a direct anti-corruption hotline introduced on International Anti-Corruption Day in 2009. These steps underscore Bahrain's firm stance that corruption is a formidable barrier to progress, deterring investment and hindering the quality of public services. Nazaha 992 bridges the citizens and residents of Bahrain with the Ministry of Interior, empowering them to voice concerns and report corruption. This initiative not only encourages public participation but also serves as a deterrent, signaling the government's unwavering commitment to upholding integrity. Confidentiality and protection for those who report corruption are guaranteed, reinforcing trust in the system.

Bahrain's anti-corruption legislation takes a significant leap forward with the compulsory financial disclosure requirement for public officials. This mandate is crucial for unveiling potential conflicts of interest that could lead to corrupt practices, including bribery and embezzlement. By enforcing these disclosure rules, Bahrain is not just promoting transparency and accountability; it's setting a new benchmark in ethical governance.

On the topic of Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism, Bahrain is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) through the Gulf Cooperation Council and a founding member of the MENA-FATF, Bahrain is committed to upholding the highest international standards. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce, through its Anti-money Laundering Department, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, with its Compliance Directorate, are the vanguards in this mission, ensuring that Bahrain remains a paragon of financial integrity and regulation.