Saudi Arabia currently holding 159 people in corruption probe

06/12/2017 Argaam

 

Saudi Arabia has subpoenaed 320 people so far in its corruption crackdown launched last month, with 159 individuals currently in official custody, Attorney General Sheikh Saud Al-Mujib said in an official statement on Tuesday.

 

The bank accounts of 376 individuals – all of whom are either detainees or linked to the corruption purge – have been frozen as a “precautionary measure,” the statement said.

 

“Most detainees faced with corruption allegations by the Committee agreed to a settlement. The necessary arrangements are being finalized to conclude such agreements,” said Al-Mujib, who also serves on the Supreme Anti-Corruption Committee established by King Salman in early November.

 

“All assets or corporate entities of those detained, and any rights of any other parties related to such assets or corporate entities shall not be affected or disrupted,” he added.

 

According to the statement, if a detainee admits to the allegations against them “freely and without coercion,” a settlement agreement will be reached in exchange for a recommendation by the committee to issue a pardon and end the criminal litigation.

 

If the detainee denies the charges, the case is referred to the Public Prosecution Office, where investigations will be continued, the Attorney General said.

 

Early in November, the anti-corruption committee, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, arrested several royal family members, businessmen, and top officials in a corruption purge that made headlines around the world.

 

The Saudi government expects to recover about $100 billion from the suspects in the probe, officials have previously said.

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