Saudi Arabia's Anti-Corruption Drive: 142 arrested, 425 investigated in July

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) announced yesterday (Friday) that it investigated 425 public employees and detained 142 individuals in a nationwide crackdown on corruption during July. Some of those detained were later released on bail, the authority said.

Nazaha said its investigators conducted 2,354 inspection rounds last month and pursued a wide range of criminal and administrative cases.

Those under investigation include employees from several key ministries, Interior, Defense, National Guard, Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Education, Health, Justice, and Human Resources and Social Development, as well as staff from Nazaha itself.

The charges involve offenses such as bribery, abuse of power, and financial misconduct, according to the authority’s statement.

Nazaha emphasized that its mission to combat corruption remains unwavering, reaffirming that accountability applies to all, without exception. “These efforts aim to protect public funds, uphold integrity, and reinforce public confidence in state institutions,” the statement said.