Saudi Arabia arrested a ministry of defence official for accepting a bribe of 1 million Riyal (Dh 980,000) this week marking the latest move in the kingdom's corruption crackdown, Saudi state news agency reported.
Authorities claim the bribe came from a company looking to ease procedures and “secure government pay-outs”.
The unnamed official, along with two others believed to be involved in the transaction, have been charged with bribery and abusing their position for self-benefit.
A statement published by the office of the Attorney-General, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Mujib, said the official had abused his official position to leverage power and betray the nation.
The arrest came more than a year after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who also serves as minister of defence, pledged to hold all accused of bribery accountable in the kingdom.
_______________
Read more:
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's dynamic year of reform
Saudi cleric advocates appointing female Islamic scholars
_______________
This dispels claims the corruption crackdown in Saudi Arabia has drawn to a close after seeing more than 300 of the Kingdom’s elite rounded up last November.
Those held accountable were said to have embezzled $107 billion from government funds.
The latest arrest goes against trends of government initiatives, such as the crackdown, losing steam after an initial push.
