WSJ: Saudi authorities have freed about 20 accused of corruption
NEW YORK, December 25. /TASS/. The government of Saudi Arabia over the past few days was released from custody at least two dozen people who were accused of corruption. This was reported in the Sunday newspaper The Wall Street Journal.
According to sources, in the number released over the last week included influential persons. This, in particular, a former Finance Minister and one of the members of the management of the state oil company of Saudi Arabia Saudi Aramco, Ibrahim Abdulaziz al-Assaf. He was accused of fraud, associated with the expansion project of the mosque in Mecca.
The number released from custody Prince Turki bin Khalid, and former assistant to the Minister of Finance and former head of Saudi Telecom company. “They were released — are in the publication the words of a source from among Saudi officials. — Released at least two dozen people, if not more.” He also noted that it will soon begin trial on charges of corruption.
On the night of November 5, the High Committee for the fight against corruption, headed by crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was detained and placed into custody at a hotel in Riyadh, dozens of members of the Royal family, civil servants and businessmen, accusing them of financial and malfeasance. According to the prosecution, was questioned about 200 people. As stated by the crown Prince in an interview with The New York Times, 95% of the defendants agreed to the deal, transferring part of its assets to the authorities in exchange for the release.