Manama: Saudi King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud has endorsed a decision to set up dedicated anti-corruption departments within the public prosecution.
The departments will be directly under the public prosecutor and will handle all forms of corruption, Saudi news site Sabq reported on Sunday afternoon.
Shaikh Saud Bin Abdullah Al Mojib, the public prosecutor, said that the aim is to protect public funds and the integrity of public services.
King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman are determined to fight corruption with complete transparency, he added.
Prior to King Salman’s order to set up the dedicated departments, corruption cases were under the department of public service crimes.
However, the drive to increase efficiency, bolster performances and accelerate the process of anti-corruption cases has prompted the decision to set up specialised departments to deal with corruption issues.
The departments of public service crimes will now address only violations related to the breach of duties.
Saudi Arabia in November launched a massive anti-corruption drive that led to the arrest and detention of dozens of princes, businessmen and current and former senior officials.
The setting up of dedicated permanent and transparent departments is seen as a step forward to strengthen the fight against all forms of corruption, a key component of the ambitious drive to modernise the country.
