In the year 2024, a total of 1,708 people have been arrested in Saudi Arabia over various corruption charges. The arrests were made by the Control and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) in coordination with other government and security agencies. These arrests came after a total of 37,124 inspection tours and over 4,000 investigations conducted in various regions across the Kingdom. The corruption charges include abuse of power, accepting bribes, and money laundering.
Throughout the year, Nazaha has continued to crack down on corruption and those who abuse their power. The authority has handled a large number of criminal cases involving employees from various government agencies. This continued effort is in line with the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who are determined to eradicate corruption and uphold principles of justice and accountability to enhance transparency in all sectors of the state. This supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development and a prosperous economy based on integrity and transparency.
The Crown Prince’s famous speech serves as the basis for the comprehensive campaign led by the Kingdom against corruption. In his speech, the Crown Prince emphasized that no one involved in a corruption case, regardless of their status, will escape accountability if there is sufficient evidence against them. The authority has been conducting thousands of inspection tours and investigations over the years, holding accountable those involved in corruption cases at all levels, including senior officials, princes, and employees holding high ranks in the state.
In 2024, Nazaha conducted a significant number of inspection tours and investigations each month, resulting in the arrest of numerous suspects. From January to December, the authority arrested a total of 1,708 individuals involved in corruption cases. The entities where the employees accused of crimes worked included various ministries, such as Interior, National Guard, Defense, Justice, Education, Health, and many others, as well as government authorities like the General Authority for Statistics and Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority.
During the Hajj season, Nazaha carried out inspection tours at the holy sites and Hajj service agencies, resulting in the arrest of suspects involved in corruption. The authority’s efforts continued throughout the year with the goal of fighting corruption and holding individuals accountable for their actions. The Kingdom’s commitment to eradicating corruption and promoting transparency is crucial for achieving sustainable development and building a strong economy based on honesty and integrity.
Overall, the relentless efforts of Nazaha in 2024 demonstrate the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability for those who engage in corrupt practices. The arrests made by the authority signify a strong message against abuse of power, bribery, money laundering, and other corrupt acts. By upholding the principles of justice and transparency, Saudi Arabia continues to make progress towards its Vision 2030 goals and creating a more prosperous and ethical society for its citizens.
