Saudi Arabia: Nine goldsmiths arrested for illegal Jeddah workshop

Abu Dhabi: Nine goldsmiths of Arab and Asian nationalities were arrested for illegally running an unlicensed gold workshop in a Jeddah villa, local media reported.

Investigation and surveillance conducted by inspection teams of the Saudi Ministry of Trade revealed the men were operating the workshop without licences, books or hallmarks.

Also known as purity or quality marks, hallmarks are the most common stamps on jewellery. They are required for all jewellery made in Saudi Arabia, where an assay office tests each piece and then adds their official stamp or hallmark.

The inspection teams seized five kilograms of gold jewllery, samples of which were sent for examination in specialised laboratories, and machines used in casting coins and the Saudi gold pound were also seized.

The ministry closed the workshop and referred the involved workers to the Public Prosecution, pending trial.

Meanwhile, three more illegal workshops have been shut down for breaking business licensing and gold casting rules.