The Saudi “Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority” announced on Sunday that three employees working at the Rabigh Port customs (in western Saudi Arabia) have been arrested for accepting more than two million riyals from six residents in exchange for facilitating the smuggling and export of 372 shipping containers filled with diesel.
In a statement, the authority, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, reported the arrest of three citizens from the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority at King Abdullah Port in Rabigh. The individuals arrested are Rashid Mohammed Al-Shabrmi, Mohammed Ahmed Al-Jizani, and Saleh Hamoud Al-Harbi, who received a total of 2,232,000 riyals in payments from six residents (who were also arrested). The residents are: Osama Mohsen Al-Awlaqi, Abdulaziz Omar Al-Qaaiti, Hussein Omar Al-Qaaiti, and Saeed Awad Bazbaidi (all Yemeni nationals), Fuad Salahuddin Pir (Pakistani national and investor), and Mohammed Ghanem Al-Munla (Syrian national).
The three customs employees accepted the payments in exchange for facilitating the smuggling and export of 372 shipping containers containing petroleum derivatives, specifically diesel, which is restricted for export. They used the names of commercial entities to execute the smuggling operations. The authority affirmed that legal procedures are ongoing in accordance with the laws and regulations.
The authority reiterated its commitment to monitor and apprehend anyone who misappropriates public funds or abuses their position for personal gain or to harm the public interest. It stressed its resolve to enforce the law against violators without leniency.
