Anti-corruption squad arrests Saudi government employees

• Seven ministries involved
• 145 arrests made in total
• Criminal prosecutions being taken

Government employees were among 145 people arrested in Saudi Arabia over corruption charges last month.

The country’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) conducted 1,462 “oversight visits” in December, during which 390 accused individuals were investigated and the arrests made.

Those involved worked for a range of government agencies including the ministries of the interior, defence, justice, health, education, municipalities and housing, Nazaha said.

Those arrested, some of whom were released on bail, are accused of crimes including bribery and abuse of authority.

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“Criminal proceedings are currently being taken against the detainees for prosecution in a court of law,” Nazaha said.

Nazaha made 1,635 visits in November, with 164 arrests being made. Government employees in interior, health, education, municipalities and housing were charged with bribery and abuse of authority.

A spokesperson said Nazaha would continue to “pursue anyone who exploits the public office to achieve personal gain or harm public interest in any way.”

Formed in 2011, Nazaha has ramped up its operations since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched an anti-graft campaign in 2017, detaining hundreds of officials, princes and businessmen.

The government said this led to reaping SAR400 billion ($107 billion) in assets, including real estate, businesses and cash.

Measures have included launching a smartphone app that allows members of the Saudi public to report incidents and suspicions of corruption.

Saudi Arabia is ranked 53 among 180 countries by Transparency International for a clean business environment.