Saudi Arabia arrests 138 locals, foreigners on corruption charges

Saudi Arabia arrests 138 locals, foreigners on corruption charges
The 138 people are accused of bribery, corruption and other offences in an apparent anti-graft crackdown.
1 min read
11 May, 2021
Arrests were made across many governmental departments [AIAOU/Corbis/Getty-file photo]
Saudi authorities have detained 138 nationals and foreigners, accused of corruption, local media reported on Monday.

Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority revealed the suspects work for 11 ministries - including justice and defence - as well as the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Saudi Gazette reported.

The arrests came during a series of 1733 "inspection raids" conducted by the authority, also known as "Nazaha", throughout Ramadan.

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The 138 are accused of charges ranging from bribery, forgery, and misusing their authority, following inquiries into contentions surrounding 588 individuals.

The body previously launched legal proceedings again former officials and civil servants in April, accusing them of financial and administrative corruption.

In one case, two ex-National Guard ministry employees were detained for allegedly receiving $52.8 million from domestic and foreign firms for helping them secure contracts.

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