A vehicle carrying 96 four-litre cans of counterfeit motor oil has been seized by the Inspection Directorate of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in conjunction with the Ministry of Interior. The oil products, which bore fake labels and trademarks, were found being sold by an individual operating without a licence.

Laboratory tests confirmed that the counterfeit products did not meet the standards of genuine trademarks. The offender has been handed over to the Public Prosecutor, along with all relevant documentation and test results.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has reaffirmed its focus on monitoring goods, addressing commercial fraud, and enforcing regulations. The public is encouraged to report any commercial fraud through the Inspection Directorate’s email at Inspection@moic.gov.bh, via WhatsApp at 17111225, or through the national “Tawasul” system.

Penalties for commercial fraud under Law No. 12 of 2018 include up to three years in prison and fines of up to 100,000 dinars. Operating a business without a licence is also punishable under Decree-Law No. 27 of 2015.