Suspects in $100 bln corruption probe told to pay up or face courts: Al-Jubeir

Saudi Arabia is looking to recover at least $100 billion from settlement agreements with suspects detained in its latest anti-corruption crackdown, which includes several prominent princes and officials, foreign minister Adel Al-Jubeir told an Egyptian news channel.

Al-Jubeir added that 208 suspects have been faced with evidence for their misconduct, and given the choice between settling the amounts, or being referred to the judiciary for legal action.

Such funds should have gone towards boosting the Kingdom’s development, he said.

“The Kingdom’s anti-corruption crackdown will likely eliminate corruption in state institutions and will further help lure investments”, Al-Jubeir stated, adding that investigations against the suspects in question had been ongoing three years prior to their arrests.

Earlier this month, authorities detained 30 prominent figures, including princes and officials. On the same day, King Salman announced the formation of a new anti-corruption committee under the direction of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.