RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority announced on Sunday it has initiated a number of criminal cases.
The authority said it had taken over eight cases and legal procedures against the accused were underway.
In the first case, three individuals have been arrested for allegedly embezzling more than SR5 million ($1.3 million) and rewarding a SR60 million project to a company. The three included two municipal employees and a bank employee.
In the second case, three employees at a university are believed to have received more than SR4.4 million in return for awarding several contracts totaling more than SR13.84 million. The employees, as well as a bank branch manager and a businessman, were arrested. They were also accused of laundering the money.
In the third case, a former employee at a university is accused of receiving SR240,000 from a businessman in exchange for neglecting a number of violations with the complicity of a Saudi engineer in three projects worth more than SR7.696. All three have been arrested.
In the fourth case, an employee at an international airport and a businessman were arrested, for enabling the latter’s relative to obtain 218 direct purchase orders unlawfully.
In the fifth case, a former employee of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon) allegedly received SR225,750 from a businessman in exchange for a statement on his company’s competency, which subsequently led to his company being awarded projects from the authority. Both have been arrested.
In the sixth case, an employee from Saudi Customs is accused of receiving SR574,300 from a customs broker in exchange for clearing containers that contained tobacco, using bank accounts of his relatives. They have both been remanded in custody.
In cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, “four non-commissioned officers working at the General Department of Traffic in one of the regions were arrested for pulling over a resident and enabling their colleague (a retired non-commissioned officer) to search his vehicle and steal SR200,000 from his car,” the authority said for the seventh case.
Also in cooperation with the interior ministry, a retired non-commissioned officer from a police department was arrested for allegedly receiving SR219,750, as well as blocks of gold, while working as a warehouse keeper and then laundering them through buying and selling cars through a dealership belonging to a relative.
In the ninth case, a citizen was arrested for bribing an arrest squad of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control with SR200,000 during his arrest for possession of narcotics, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior.
In the final case, a colonel and a non-commissioned officer from the General Directorate of Passports in one of the regions were arrested for allegedly registering the former’s relative a fake entry into the Kingdom, upon his request.
The authority said it would continue “to pursue anyone who exploits the public office to achieve personal gain or harm the public interest in any way possible.”
It also said that accountability extends far beyond retirement, as “the crimes of financial and administrative corruption have no statute of limitations,” adding it will apply the law against violators with zero tolerance.
Saudi anti-corruption authority initiates a number of criminal cases
https://arab.news/wqbws
Saudi anti-corruption authority initiates a number of criminal cases
- The authority said it has taken over 10 cases and all the accused have been arrested
- It also said crimes of financial and administrative corruption have no statute of limitations
Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a campaign to promote health by enhancing access to and the quality and efficiency of health services and raising awareness of health risks, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.
The campaign “A Vibrant, Healthy Nation” introduces a modern healthcare model, offering integrated, individual-centered services aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a healthy society.
The ministry is committed to “enhancing public health, improving quality of life, and raising the Kingdom’s global healthcare standing.”
The campaign highlights the health transformation initiative’s positive impacts and informs citizens about its main features, aiming to engage all segments of society, SPA reported.
It emphasizes a shift from treating illness to prevention, involving primary care doctors and early detection programs.
Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech
- Scheme seeks new ways to repurpose wastewater, looks at impact of microplastics
RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has opened applications for a new program to find ways to develop sustainable technologies in Saudi Arabia.
The Sustainable Innovation Fellowship Program aims to find ways to repurpose by-products from water treatment for the benefit of the environment; develop sustainable technologies for recycling membranes used in water treatment; and explore methods to reuse treated wastewater in desert and arid regions.
Supported by the Environment Fund and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, the fellowship program will also assess the environmental impact of microplastics in water treatment plants, sewage, and wastewater.
In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is also introducing new e-services in accordance with international standards.
Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh
- With workshops, discussions, and awards, the festival aims to drive growth in Saudi Arabia’s creative sectors
The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 5 to 6.
Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will gather over 1,500 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry, featuring 100 regional and international speakers.
Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor in chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, alongside Vice Chairman Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS.
Pre-festival activities began on Nov. 3 with the Young Talent Academies, including the Student Creative Academy (in partnership with the Middle East Communications Network), the Student Marketers Academy, the NextGen Creative Academy, and the NextGen Marketers Academy.
These academies, featuring keynote sessions from industry experts, workshops, and a 24-hour hackathon, are open to full-time university students aged 18 to 25 and professionals under 30 in creative communications, marketing, or advertising.
The festival will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations, and fireside chats focused on redefining and growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.
The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.
Notable speakers include Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital PLC; Matt McKie, director of marketing for Manchester United; Waseem Kashan, executive director of marketing at ROSHN Group; Yahya Hamidaddin, vice president of corporate communications at ACWA Power; and Houda Tohme, CEO of Havas Media Middle East.
Sessions and keynotes will explore themes such as purpose-driven marketing, brand growth strategies, artificial intelligence, technology, cross-sector innovation, and unlocking creative potential.
Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation
- Two defense ministers reviewed longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties
RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at strengthening cooperation in the military field.
The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, represents a significant step forward in defense collaboration between the Kingdom and Iraq, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During their discussions, the two ministers reviewed the longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties.
They emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to foster regional security and stability, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions.
Both ministers discussed recent developments and shared efforts aimed at de-escalating conflicts, prioritizing actions that support peace and security in the region.
The MoU establishes a framework for increased collaboration on military matters, allowing Saudi Arabia and Iraq to address shared security challenges more effectively and pursue mutual goals in defense, SPA added.
Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom Chang Hua in Riyadh on Monday.
During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest, particularly those related to Islamic work and promoting moderation and peaceful coexistence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Iran to the Kingdom Alireza Enayati in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.