Saudi Arabia's anti-corruption investigation to end 'in days'

Inquiry has thrown spotlight on the kingdom

(FILES) This file photo taken on November 05, 2017 shows a general view of the closed Ritz Karlton hotel in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia's Ritz-Carlton, a holding place of royals and ministers detained in a corruption probe, will re-open for business in February, a source at the hotel said. / AFP PHOTO / FAYEZ NURELDINE
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Saudi Arabia’s sweeping anti-corruption investigation is set to end with 95 suspects likely to be referred to the public prosecutor.

“Only a couple of days [until] cases of corruption-related settlements are closed in preparation for referring the remaining defendants to the public prosecution,” announced the government-linked Twitter account Infographic_ksa on Tuesday.

Money laundering, bribery and extortion of officials were among the allegations made against dozens of Saudi government figures and businessmen detained late last year in a huge crackdown led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

According to the official account, most suspects agreed to financial settlements, while the charges of 90 others were dropped. Ninety-five people remained in detention.

Read more: Senior Saudi figures accused of bribery and extortion