Settlements from an anti-corruption campaign in Saudi Arabia has exceeded 106 billion dollars, Attorney General Saud al-Mojeb said on Tuesday.
According to a statement by al-Mojeb, 56 individuals remain in detention pending investigation.
“The value of settlements currently stands at over 400 billion Saudi riyals (about 106.6 billion dollars) represented in various types of assets, including real estate, commercial entities, securities, cash and other assets,’’ it noted.
There were 381 people subpoenaed since November when the anti-corruption drive was launched and only 56 remain in detention.
“Those released have either admitted to the charges against them or settled with the government, or there was not sufficient evidence to support the charges against them.
“Negotiation and settlement with many has been concluded and cases have been transferred to the Public Prosecution Office to complete the relevant procedures,’’ the statement said.
Dozens of Saudi royals, former state officials and influential businessmen were among those rounded up in the anti-corruption sweep.
In recent weeks, several of them have been released reportedly after they had reached financial settlements to avoid prosecution.
The November arrests, unprecedented in the oil-rich kingdom, were made on orders from an anti-corruption committee led by the powerful crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman.
Some experts see the crackdown as aimed at consolidating the ambitious crown prince’s grip on power in the country, a claim the 32-year-old heir apparent has denied. (dpa/NAN)