Bahrain’s Public Prosecution has referred a defendant to criminal trial over allegations of human trafficking and forced labour involving two people brought into the country.
The investigation began after the Public Prosecution received a report from the Anti-Human Trafficking Department concerning the alleged exploitation of the two individuals, according to an official statement.
Investigators found that the defendant had allegedly employed the victims without paying them wages and demanded money from them in exchange for issuing work permits. These actions were considered violations of Bahrain’s laws, the statement said.
The Public Prosecution launched an investigation after receiving the report, taking statements from both victims and gathering evidence about the alleged exploitation. It also heard testimony from the investigating officer responsible for the case.
Following the completion of investigative procedures and a review of the available evidence, prosecutors ordered that the defendant be referred to a criminal court for trial.
A hearing has been scheduled for November 10, 2026, when the court is due to consider the case.
The allegations involve two forms of exploitation: forcing individuals to work without financial compensation and obtaining money from them in return for work permits. The investigation focused on the circumstances in which the victims were brought into Bahrain and the conditions under which they were employed.
The referral marks the next stage of the legal proceedings. The defendant will face the allegations before the criminal court, which will consider the evidence and determine the outcome of the case.
Bahrain’s Anti-Human Trafficking Department works with the Public Prosecution to investigate suspected cases of exploitation and forced labour. The authorities have not released further details about the defendant or the identities of the two alleged victims.
