Front Page

Saudi Arabia $100 Billion Scandal: Over 200 People Detained in Anti-Corruption Purge

Saudi Arabia’s attorney general Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb says at least $100 billion has been misused through systemic corruption and embezzlement in recent decades.

He also said 201 people were being detained for questioning as part of a sweeping anti-corruption drive that began on Saturday night.

Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb did not name any of them, but they reportedly include senior princes, ministers and influential businessmen.

“The evidence for this wrongdoing is very strong,” he said.

The attorney general also stressed that normal commercial activity in the kingdom had not been affected by the crackdown, and that only personal bank accounts had been frozen.

He said investigations by the newly-formed supreme anti-corruption committee, which is headed by 32-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, were “progressing very quickly”.

Image source Wikimedia

Saudi Arabia: 11 Princes, 4 Sitting Ministers and Dozens of Former Ministers Detained on Corruption

Prince Mansour bin Muqrin of Saudi Arabia Killed in Helicopter Crash

King Salaman of Saudi Arabia Replaces Crown Prince

Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb announced that 208 individuals had been called in for questioning so far, and that seven of them had been released without charge.

“The potential scale of corrupt practices which have been uncovered is very large,” he said.

“Based on our investigations over the past three years, we estimate that at least $100 billion has been misused through systematic corruption and embezzlement over several decades.”

The attorney general said the committee had a clear legal mandate to move on to the next phase of its investigation and that it had suspended the bank accounts of “persons of interest” on November 7.

“There has been a great deal of speculation around the world regarding the identities of the individuals concerned and the details of the charges against them,” Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb added.

“In order to ensure that the individuals continue to enjoy the full legal rights afforded to them under Saudi law, we will not be revealing any more personal details at this time.”

Among those reportedly detained are the billionaire investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal; Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, a son of the late king who was also removed from his post as National Guard chief on November 4; and his brother Prince Turki bin Abdullah, a former governor of Riyadh province.

Diane A. Wade

Diane is a perfectionist. She enjoys searching the internet for the hottest events from around the world and writing an article about it. The details matter to her, so she makes sure the information is easy to read and understand. She likes traveling and history, especially ancient history. Being a very sociable person she has a blast having barbeque with family and friends.

Recent Posts

Donald Trump and Elon Musk Celebrate Election Victory at UFC 309

Image source: Wikimedia Commons President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his election victory at the Ultimate Fighting…

4 days ago

White House 2024: Donald Trump Wins, Kamala Harris Calls Him to Concede Election

Millions of voters across the US chose to return Donald Trump to the White House…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Donald Trump Declares Victory as He Addresses Jubilant Supporters in Florida

Donald Trump declares victory in the US election as he addresses jubilant supporters in Florida.…

2 weeks ago

Stocks Soaring as Donald Trump Closes in on US Victory

Stocks around the world are rising as Donald Trump appears to be on the cusp…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Kamala Harris Cancels Election Night Party as Path to Victory Narrows

Donald Trump has won Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia and taken a lead over Kamala…

2 weeks ago

Quincy Jones Dead at 91

Quincy Jones, the celebrated musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray…

2 weeks ago