The Saudi Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) announced on Monday the arrest of 146 suspects from seven ministries, including Interior, Defense, National Guard, Justice, and “Zakat and Tax,” who were convicted of abuse of power and money laundering.
In a press statement today, the authority revealed that it had initiated several criminal and administrative cases during the past month through the execution of 1657 inspection tours.
Nazaha disclosed that 239 individuals were investigated, and 146 suspects were detained, including some released on bail.
It emphasized that the corruption crimes involved by the suspects included bribery, abuse of official authority, forgery, and money laundering.
The Saudi government has been intensifying its efforts to combat corruption in recent years, with the establishment of Nazaha in 2011 marking a significant step in this direction.
Nazaha, which translates to “integrity” in Arabic, is tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption cases across various sectors of the government and society.
The crackdown on corruption in Saudi Arabia aligns with Vision 2030, the kingdom’s ambitious plan to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil revenue.
By tackling corruption and promoting a culture of integrity and accountability, Saudi Arabia aims to create a more conducive environment for investment and economic growth.
