Saudi Arabia arrests money smugglers with millions of riyals

Riyadh police say gang was involved in taking illegal funds out of the country for a commission

The Saudi capital of Riyadh where an expatriate was recently arrested while trying to smuggle 1.3 million riyals through the airport. Reuters

An Egyptian expatriate was arrested at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport with 1.3 million riyals ($340,000) he was trying to smuggle out of the country. 

Authorities were tipped off about the smuggling attempt, Riyadh police spokesman Maj Khaled Al Kreidis said.

Maj Al Kreidis said five other expatriates – three Egyptians and two Syrians ranging from 30 to 40 years in age – were arrested after it became clear that the man was not acting alone. 

Another 4.7 million riyals was found at one of the suspects' homes, as well as several bonds.

Maj Al Kreidis said the group collected unnaccounted funds and transferred them out of the country through 10 commercial bank accounts owned by Saudi citizens. In return, they received commission.

The arrest comes as Saudi Arabia steps up efforts to combat corruption.

An official at the Control and Anti-Corruption Authority, Nazaha said last week that the authority initiated 123 criminal cases, including against a former member of the Shura Council,  members of the Public Prosecution and former public servants.

Nazaha spokesperson Ahmed Al Hussein  told Al-Ikhbariya TV that employees convicted of corruption would be dismissed from their jobs. Those accused of crimes related to public office will face maximum punishment.

He said the latest cases were filed with co-operation from the Ministry of Justice, the State Security Prosecution and the Ministry of Interior.