Anti-corruption vital for economic growth, says Saudi lawyer
Cracking down on corruption is essential for development and prosperity, lawyer Saad bin Shayea told Al-Ikhbariya Radio, citing recent enforcement cases.
Key Takeaways
AILawyer Dr. Saad bin Shayea has said that combating corruption is a fundamental pillar for achieving development and economic prosperity.
Speaking in an interview with Al-Ikhbariya Radio, he added that fighting all forms of financial and administrative corruption is the path to a better life, a productive environment, and a thriving, advanced economy.
He explained that anti-corruption measures, with their various methods and mechanisms, are what make this possible. He pointed out that bribery and abuse of power are among the most prominent financial and administrative corruption crimes.
He continued that bribery crimes involve an employee acting outside their official duties in violation of regulations and laws, and can take many forms, including money or services. Abuse of power crimes involve exploiting official authority to facilitate unauthorized matters.
The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority has recently handled a number of criminal cases and is continuing legal procedures against those involved. Notable cases include the arrest of a businessman who offered SAR 1.6 million to a customs broker to facilitate the entry of two shipping containers through Jeddah Islamic Port containing restricted tobacco, in exchange for not paying the required government customs fees of SAR 14 million.
A Ministry of Health employee in one region was also arrested for receiving SAR 900,000 in installments for awarding several projects to a commercial entity illegally. In cooperation with the Ministry of Energy, a resident working on a ministry project was caught receiving SAR 200,000 in exchange for not issuing fines and violations totaling SAR 1.5 million against a business entity.
The Authority's spokesperson affirmed that it continues to monitor and apprehend anyone who embezzles public funds or abuses their position for personal gain or to harm the public interest, and will hold them accountable even after leaving their post, as financial and administrative corruption crimes do not expire. The Authority is committed to enforcing the law against violators without leniency.
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