Saudi purge: Most detainees accept pardons for cash settlements
Most of the elite individuals detained in Saudi Arabia's anti-corruption drive have agreed to monetary settlements in exchange for a pardon, according to attorney general Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb. Over 300 high-profile people, including princes, ministers, and tycoons, were arrested last month. Suspects who denied the allegations or refused to settle now face prosecution. Here's more about it.
Several Saudi princes detained among dozens in new anti-corruption purge
On November 5, a newly constituted anti-corruption body in Saudi Arabia detained 11 princes, four sitting ministers, and dozens of business tycoons and government officials. These detentions came a few hours after the new body, headed by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, was formed by royal decree. The detainees were not named and it's unclear what they have been charged with.
Details over settlements remain unclear
A statement says that over 320 people have been interrogated while 159 others are under arrest and housed in Riyadh's 5-star Ritz Carlton hotel. The names of those detained still haven't been revealed. Mojeb had earlier an estimated $100 billion had been lost over several decades to embezzlement or corruption. The nature of the charges against the detainees still remains unclear.
Detained Prince Miteb reached $1 billion settlement for release
The latest developments come a week after Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, the former chief of the powerful Saudi National Guard, was released after reaching a settlement in excess of $1 billion. Prince Miteb was once considered a contender to the throne.
Saudi crown prince rejects allegations of power grab
Experts viewed Prince Miteb's dismissal as the National Guard chief as an attempt by defense minister Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to consolidate his power over the security forces. Prince Mohammed recently described reports claiming that the anti-corruption crackdown was a power grab as "ludicrous." He said many of those arrested had previously pledged their loyalty to him.
