Two distribution companies fined and closed, 23 jailed in expiry date scandal
The Sixth Minor Criminal Court sentenced the owner of the first company to three years in prison and fined him BD100,000.
The second was fined BD101,000.
A senior employee received a three-year term, while 19 workers were each sentenced to two years.
All foreign defendants are to be deported upon completing their sentences.
Suspension
Both companies were fined BD10,000 and ordered to suspend operations for six months.
The court also ordered the destruction of expired and adulterated food products, along with the equipment, chemicals and materials used to alter the dates.
The case revolved around large quantities of expired goods being reintroduced into the market with forged shelflife labels.
Original dates were either removed or concealed beneath newly printed ones to give the appearance that the products remained safe to consume.
Complaint The matter came to light when a worker filed a complaint at Khamis Police Station (A) in the Northern Governorate.
Having recently arrived in Bahrain and taken a job at one of the company's warehouses, he reported that he was instructed to repackage expired food with forged expiry dates.
He refused to participate, recorded video evidence of the practice, and submitted a formal report.
Following the complaint, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce ordered the immediate closure of the warehouse and its affiliated shops. Prosecutors visited the premises the same day.
On-site inspection
A team from the Public Prosecution conducted an on-site inspection, questioned 29 individuals comprising owners, supervisors and workers, and ordered their detention pending investigation.
The warehouse and all outlets belonging to the company were placed under judicial custody. Inspectors from the ministry carried out a full inventory.
They seized over 14,000 expired food items, along with various chemical substances used to erase original markings.
Counterfeit dates
Additional products originating from the same company and bearing counterfeit dates were discovered on sale in local markets.
A forensic specialist from the Criminal Evidence Directorate examined samples and confirmed the expiry dates had been falsified through removal and relabelling.
Eyewitness statements and police investigations supported the findings.
Judgements
Once the investigation concluded and evidence was secured, the Public Prosecution referred the matter to court. Judgements were issued shortly thereafter.
Counsellor Wael Rashid Buallay, Assistant Attorney General, called on all food sector operators to comply fully with Bahrain's legal and regulatory requirements.
He stated that any endangerment of public health constitutes a criminal offence and will be dealt with through strict legal measures.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
7 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Two Social Media Users Jailed for Violating Public Decency Laws in Bahrain
Bahrain's Third Minor Criminal Court has sentenced two individuals to six months in prison and fined each BD 200 for misusing their public social media accounts by posting content deemed offensive to public morals and societal values. The ruling also includes the confiscation of the mobile phones used in the incidents. One of the defendants was acquitted of an additional charge related to inciting immoral behavior. According to the Head of the Cybercrime Prosecution, the two cases were unrelated but both involved the public sharing of inappropriate content on widely followed social media accounts. The content was said to contradict Bahrain's public decency standards and violate applicable laws. The Public Prosecution received two separate reports from the Cybercrime Department at the Ministry of Interior, which had monitored accounts publishing or promoting material considered contrary to the country's ethical and legal standards. Following investigations, the suspects were identified and arrested. During questioning, both admitted to the charges. They were held in custody and referred to court, where the verdict was delivered today. The Head of the Cybercrime Prosecution emphasized that today's sentences serve as a deterrent not only to the individuals involved but also to others who may consider using public platforms to share inappropriate content. She also reminded the public that using social media comes with legal and ethical responsibilities, and that everyone must abide by the law and respect the values of Bahraini society.
Daily Tribune
11 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Two distribution companies fined and closed, 23 jailed in expiry date scandal
Two food distribution companies have been fined and ordered to close, with prison sentences handed to their owners and staff, following one of Bahrain's largest commercial fraud trials involving falsified expiry dates. The Sixth Minor Criminal Court sentenced the owner of the first company to three years in prison and fined him BD100,000. The second was fined BD101,000. A senior employee received a three-year term, while 19 workers were each sentenced to two years. All foreign defendants are to be deported upon completing their sentences. Suspension Both companies were fined BD10,000 and ordered to suspend operations for six months. The court also ordered the destruction of expired and adulterated food products, along with the equipment, chemicals and materials used to alter the dates. The case revolved around large quantities of expired goods being reintroduced into the market with forged shelflife labels. Original dates were either removed or concealed beneath newly printed ones to give the appearance that the products remained safe to consume. Complaint The matter came to light when a worker filed a complaint at Khamis Police Station (A) in the Northern Governorate. Having recently arrived in Bahrain and taken a job at one of the company's warehouses, he reported that he was instructed to repackage expired food with forged expiry dates. He refused to participate, recorded video evidence of the practice, and submitted a formal report. Following the complaint, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce ordered the immediate closure of the warehouse and its affiliated shops. Prosecutors visited the premises the same day. On-site inspection A team from the Public Prosecution conducted an on-site inspection, questioned 29 individuals comprising owners, supervisors and workers, and ordered their detention pending investigation. The warehouse and all outlets belonging to the company were placed under judicial custody. Inspectors from the ministry carried out a full inventory. They seized over 14,000 expired food items, along with various chemical substances used to erase original markings. Counterfeit dates Additional products originating from the same company and bearing counterfeit dates were discovered on sale in local markets. A forensic specialist from the Criminal Evidence Directorate examined samples and confirmed the expiry dates had been falsified through removal and relabelling. Eyewitness statements and police investigations supported the findings. Judgements Once the investigation concluded and evidence was secured, the Public Prosecution referred the matter to court. Judgements were issued shortly thereafter. Counsellor Wael Rashid Buallay, Assistant Attorney General, called on all food sector operators to comply fully with Bahrain's legal and regulatory requirements. He stated that any endangerment of public health constitutes a criminal offence and will be dealt with through strict legal measures.
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain: Expat Arrested For Stealing Over BD7,000 From Company
The Criminal Investigation Directorate at the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Evidence has arrested an expat for stealing approximately BD7,600 from a company. The Directorate launched an investigation into the received case that led to the identification and arrest of the suspect, who was found in possession of part of the stolen amount. Legal proceedings have been initiated in preparation for referring the case to the Public Prosecution. The Criminal Media Division highlighted the importance of community partnership in supporting security efforts to combat unlawful activities. It urged businesses to ensure the functionality of surveillance cameras and alarm systems in shops and companies, which play a vital role in enhancing security and protection. It also called on the public to report any information related to illegal activities by contacting the main operations room at 999, assuring complete confidentiality.
