Riyadh – Mubasher: Saudi Arabian authorities on Saturday arrested 11 princes along with former and current ministers, accusing them of corruption.
An anti-corruption committee, formed under a royal decree by Saudi King Salman, issued the decision for the arrests.
“Eleven princes, tens of former ministers, and four current ministers were arrested,” Al Arabiya Channel reported.
The committee was formed with aim to preserve the country’s public money, issue travel bans orders, and disclose and freeze bank accounts, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The arrests included Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, whose investments and companies cover a wide range of sectors across the globe. Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), bin Talal has investments in Twitter, Citigroup, and News Corp.
On Saturday, Saudi economy minister Adel bin Mohammed Fakieh, navy chief Abdullah bin Sultan, and head of the National Guard Prince Miteb bin Abdullahand were sacked.
“Saudi Arabian leadership is keen to protect public money and eradicate corruption, which hampers the economy and society,” stressed Saudi minister of culture and information Awad bin Saleh, according to SPA.
In politics, UAE supports KSA security
On another note, and following news that Saudi Arabia had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile aimed at one of the kingdom’s main airports, Abu Dhabi’s crown prince condemned the act launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels.
“The UAE stands firmly and resolutely with Saudi Arabia in the wake of the challenges targeting its security and stability,” Mohammed bin Zayed said Sunday.
