RIYADH: A Saudi court has sentenced former Public Security Director, Lieutenant General Khalid bin Qarar Al-Harbi, to 20 years in prison and a SR1 million ($266,000) fine for a range of corruption charges, including bribery, forgery, abuse of power, and embezzlement.
The court’s final ruling, which cannot be appealed, includes an initial 10-year sentence for forgery and bribery, along with the fine. The seized funds will be deposited into the government treasury. An additional 10-year sentence was imposed for misusing his authority for personal gain, exploiting government contracts, and embezzling public funds.
The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) investigated Al-Harbi, leading to his referral to the court. Following a royal order, Al-Harbi was dismissed from his position, retired, and placed under investigation by Nazaha.
The court’s judgment details the confiscation of SR10.08 million in bribes received by Al-Harbi, along with the repayment of SR2.82 million in embezzled public funds.
Gifts and financial payments received by his relatives as bribes, totaling SR175,000, will also be confiscated, as will two agricultural plots obtained through bribery. Al-Harbi is further ordered to repay SR584,000 obtained illegally.
The Saudi Interior Ministry emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting public funds and combating corruption in all its forms. This significant sentence serves as a strong deterrent against corruption within the Saudi government.
