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Widespread Corruption in the Ministry of Oil: A "Deep State" Operating Affairs in the Shadows

Under the title "The Deep State in the Ministry of Oil," investigations reveal an organized corruption network run by individuals linked to the Assad regime, where corruption within the ministry has transformed into a cohesive structure that fiercely protects its interests. This is not merely a transient phenomenon of administrative or financial corruption but indicates a comprehensive system that reproduces itself under the guise of superficial changes, while the essence of corruption remains unchanged.
Over the years, the Ministry of Oil has established itself as a center of gravity for the corruption system, with this network completely controlling contracts and deals, sidelining oversight bodies and turning them into pliable tools in the hands of top corrupters. Recently, contracts worth billions of dollars have been awarded to unqualified companies such as "Al-Mahama" and "Arvada," as well as to Russian and Iranian firms, without any public tenders or official announcements. Instead, the deals have taken place through closed channels directly connected to political and military decision-making centers.
Despite the appointment of a new minister amid promises of reform, the changes affecting some directors have amounted to nothing more than a "recycling" of old faces. The unjustified return of certain individuals who were dismissed due to their blatant corruption further frustrates qualified young talents who remain trapped within the loyalties governing the ministry.
Internal oversight is completely absent, with no reports of employee absenteeism or corrupt practices recorded. No serious investigations have been opened into questionable contracts despite the presence of complaints and evidence incriminating prominent figures.
The current government faces significant challenges, as it must take serious steps to dismantle the vested interests that have ruled the ministry for a long time. Will it break the wall of silence and activate accountability mechanisms against those involved in corruption? Will it open files on unlawful appointments and inquire about individuals who have achieved no tangible accomplishments?
The reform vision requires genuine participation from internal talents instead of issuing top-down decisions. Opportunity must be provided for the concerned employees who know the intricacies of corruption firsthand to ensure an effective reform process. If the government fails to uproot corrupt roots, any talk of reform will merely be a cover for the continuation of plunder in new ways, but it seems that the situation will not change without a fundamental shift in mentalities and policies.
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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