Saudi Arabia sentences ex-Public Security Chief Khalid Al-Harbi to 10 years for bribery, forgery, and embezzlement, strengthening anti-corruption efforts.
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Khalid bin Qarar Al-Harbi
Saudi Arabia has made a decisive move in its fight against corruption, sentencing Lieutenant General Khalid bin Qarar Al-Harbi, the former Director of Public Security, to 10 years in prison.
The case has captured significant public attention, as Al-Harbi was found guilty of multiple offenses, including bribery, forgery, embezzlement, and abuse of power.
His conviction and sentencing underline Saudi Arabia’s commitment to tackling corruption at all levels of society.
In addition to the prison term, hefty fines and the confiscation of illicitly acquired assets reflect the seriousness of Al-Harbi’s crimes and the Kingdom’s determination to recover misappropriated public funds.
Critical Crimes and Charges Against Khalid Al-Harbi
Al-Harbi’s conviction followed a detailed investigation led by the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, which uncovered a series of illegal activities during his tenure. Some of the most significant changes included:
- Bribery and Forgery: Al-Harbi was convicted of accepting bribes totaling over 10 million Saudi riyals (approximately $2.67 million) and committing forgery to cover his illicit activities.
- Abuse of Power: The former public security chief exploited his official position to manipulate government contracts for personal gain.
- Embezzlement of Public Funds: Al-Harbi siphoned nearly 3 million riyals from public coffers, further adding to his criminal violations.
The court also imposed a fine of 1 million riyals and ordered the confiscation of bribes, gifts, and any illicitly obtained assets connected to his corrupt practices.
Financial Penalties and Asset Seizure
Al-Harbi’s sentencing included significant financial penalties to recover the misused public funds.
Some critical elements of the ruling were:
- Bribe Confiscation: The court ordered the confiscation of bribes totaling 10,084,303 riyals, all of which will be deposited into the public treasury.
- Asset Seizure: Al-Harbi also acquired two agricultural lands using corrupt practices, which will be confiscated and returned to the state.
- Return of Embezzled Funds: The convicted officer must return 584,000 riyals to the public treasury.
- Confiscation of Gifts: 175,000 riyals of gifts given to Al-Harbi’s relatives as part of his bribery schemes will also be confiscated.
A Landmark in Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Corruption Drive
The case against Khalid Al-Harbi is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to root out corruption, especially among high-ranking officials.
The Ministry of Interior has clarified that this case is a testament to the Kingdom’s resolve to uphold the rule of law and protect public resources from misuse.
Saudi Arabia’s anti-corruption initiatives, spearheaded by the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, align with the goals of the country’s Vision 2030 reforms, which seek to promote transparency and accountability in governance.
The conviction of such a high-ranking official reinforces the message that no one is above the law, and those who exploit their positions for personal gain will face the consequences.
Conclusion: A Strong Stand Against Corruption
Lieutenant General Khalid bin Qarar Al-Harbi’s sentencing is a powerful reminder of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to maintaining integrity within its public institutions.
By taking action against corruption, the Kingdom is working to protect public funds, promote transparency, and ensure that justice prevails, regardless of the individual’s status.
As Saudi Arabia continues to implement its Vision 2030 agenda, the case of Al-Harbi demonstrates that the government is serious about fostering a corruption-free environment, strengthening public trust, and enhancing the nation’s global reputation.
Trivia
Did you know that during his office, Khalid Al-Harbi received more than 10 million Saudi riyals, equivalent to approximately 2.67 million US dollars, in bribes?
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