Saudi court sentences former security chief for 20-year over corruption charges

RIYADH: A court in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has sentenced the former Director of Public Security, Lt. General Khalid bin Qarae al-Harbi, to 20 years in prison for corruption, here on Tuesday.

As per the media reports, Al Harbi, who was dismissed from his post in 2021, was found guilty of bribery, forgery and abusing his power for personal gain.

The court’s final verdict included a 10-year prison sentence and a fine of 1 million Saudi Riyals (Rs 75 million). Additionally, Al-Harbi has been ordered to repay more than 13 million Saudi riyals (Rs 34 million) in misappropriation. These include two agricultural plots and various gifts received as bribes.

Al Harbi’s tenure as director of public security began in December 2018, following a two-year stint as director of Special Emergency Forces. Originally sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2022, the final verdict reduced his term to 20 years.

The case is an important part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which has been led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman since 2017. The campaign focuses on high-profile figures including members of the royal family, business leaders and government officials. Efforts to promote transparency and eradicate corruption.

Ranked 52nd in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, Saudi Arabia has stepped up its anti-corruption efforts through public awareness campaigns and the establishment of a toll-free number for citizens to report suspicious activity.

In May 2024, Saudi authorities arrested 112 people and began investigating 446 others as part of a wide-ranging anti-corruption crackdown. The Kingdom’s Commission of Integrity continues to lead these efforts, regularly announcing arrests and investigations in various government sectors.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is at the forefront of these initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to reform and integrity within the kingdom.