GRAFT CHARGES IN SAUDI ARABIA

In a government of Saudi Arabia crack-down on corruption, Court of Grievances in Madina found eight health officials and 13 businessmen guilty of corruption and bribery.

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June 23, 2022

In a government of Saudi Arabia crack-down on corruption, Court of Grievances in Madina found eight health officials and 13 businessmen guilty of corruption and bribery. The court handed down jail terms between one and five years and fines between SR3,000 and SR10,000 to the 22 offenders. One Jordanian pharmacy owner, however, was acquitted of the charges. The list of charges against the eight officials from the Madina Health Department included taking bribe money in return for illegal assistance to issue new pharmacy licences or to relocate business operations, or to transfer ownership to other investors. The officials were also charged with deliberate misinterpretation of the health regulations to blackmail the businessmen who gave in without resorting to higher authorities. As public employees, they were found guilty of accepting hard cash, free house rents, free hotel parties, and office furnishings, from the 13 businessmen in exchange of public services. The eight officials found guilty held different job titles in the Madina Health Department including director of medical permits, director of health affairs, director of administrative and financial affairs.