Saudi Arabia Arrests 136 Employees For Fraud, Abuse Of Office

The Saudi Arabian Government says it has apprehended about 136 citizens and residents for engaging in alleged bribery, abuse of office and forgery at about ten government parastatals including the General Authority of Zakat and Tax (GAZT).

In Islam, Zakat is referred to as payments made by Muslim faithful towards charity and religious purposes.

The GAZT is said to be the Saudi Arabian government agency under the Ministry of Finance – responsible for assessing and collecting Zakat and taxes including VAT.

But in a statement by the country’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), it said that the affected employees in Zakat and other institutions were indicted in fraudulent behaviors.

“With your cooperation, and by exercising its mandates and duties, the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) has conducted (914) oversight visits during the month of Shawwal 1442H, as well as investigating with (562) accused individuals in criminal and administrative cases, and arresting (136) citizens and residents, among them employees working in ministries of (Defense, Interior, National Guard, Health, Justice, Municipal, Rural Affairs & Housing, Education), and Zakat, Tax & Customs Authority for their involvement in (bribery, abuse of office, abuse of power, and forgery),” it stated on Sunday.

Furthermore, it urged citizens to help government in preserving public funds by reporting suspicious financial or administrative corruption to appropriate quarters.

“Legal proceedings are currently being completed against the detainees in preparation for their referral to the court,” it added.