DUBAI (Sputnik) — Over 200 have been detained for questioning amid anti-corruption investigation into the practices that resulted in misuse of at least $100 billion in Saudi Arabia, according to the country's attorney general.
"The investigations of the supreme anti-corruption committee are proceeding quickly, and we can provide the following updates: A total of 208 individuals have been called in for questioning so far. Of those 208 individuals, seven have been released without charge," Saud Mojeb said in a statement, as quoted by the Saudi Press Agency.
According to the official, the investigations had shown that more than $100 billion had been misused because of embezzlement and corruption.
READ MORE: Saudi Anti-Corruption Campaign: Government Set to Get Back 'Stolen' Money
On Saturday, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued a decree establishing a new anti-corruption committee in the country chaired by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that was given the power to investigate and arrest individuals involved in corruption cases, as well as restrict their movement, freeze their accounts, and track their funds and assets.
Over 40 members of the Royal family, including billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, ministers, military officials and businessmen, were arrested in Saudi Arabia the following day.
On Wednesday, Reuters reported citing sources familiar with the situation that Saudi Arabian authorities have made additional arrests as part of the anti-corruption campaign. Some suspects were detained while others are being telephoned by investigators about their finances.
