In recent years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a significant crackdown on corruption under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This rigorous anti-corruption campaign has garnered considerable attention and support both domestically and internationally. The Kingdom’s authorities recently announced the initiation of several criminal cases, reigniting discussions and affirmations of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s commitment to eradicating corruption.
In Saudi Arabia, the fight against corruption has become a cornerstone of national policy, particularly under the ambitious Vision 2030 initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with the guidance of King Salman bin Abdulaziz. This strategic framework, now in its fifth year, underscores a dedicated effort to uphold integrity and transparency across governmental and societal spheres.
The Kingdom has demonstrated a robust commitment to combatting corruption, evident in regular disclosures and legal actions against perpetrators through a rigorous judicial system. Over the past three years alone, anti-corruption settlements have contributed significantly to public funds, amounting to 247 billion riyals, a substantial portion of non-oil revenues. Additionally, assets valued at tens of billions, including non-cash assets, have been recovered and transferred to the Ministry of Finance.
The judicial system has seen marked improvements, with increased efficiency in execution and personal status courts, bolstered by enhanced specialized judicial processes and advanced electronic litigation capabilities. These reforms have significantly expedited legal proceedings, with millions of judicial sessions conducted in recent years.
The economic, social, and cultural dangers posed by corruption are widely acknowledged, prompting Saudi Arabia to adopt comprehensive measures to combat it. The Kingdom has continuously evolved its anti-corruption systems, reflecting a commitment to modernization and reform in line with the visionary leadership of King Abdulaziz and his successors.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has articulated a firm stance against corruption, describing it as a historical impediment to development and prosperity in the Kingdom. He has underscored the irreversible nature of the anti-corruption campaign, promising stringent consequences for offenders, regardless of their status.
Saudi Arabia has also prioritized its international role in combating corruption, becoming a signatory to the United Nations’ International Convention against Corruption. This commitment underscores the Kingdom’s global leadership in promoting transparency and integrity, as articulated in comprehensive legal frameworks.
The official spokesman for the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) once revealed details of 20 criminal cases initiated over the past period, as reported by the Saudi News Agency (SPA). These cases involve a range of offenses committed by employees across various sectors, including banks, courts, government institutions, and even an airline company. The accusations encompass a broad spectrum of illegal activities, such as tampering with legal rulings, forging documents, awarding contracts illicitly, and engaging in employment fraud.
The accused individuals are also charged with the illegal acquisition of narcotic medical drugs, smuggling gold into the Kingdom, and promising employment in exchange for bribes. These cases underscore the pervasive nature of corruption that the Crown Prince has vowed to combat vigorously.
The resurgence of these efforts has been met with widespread support on social media platforms. Statements by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about his unwavering stance against corruption have gone viral, with the hashtag #Homeland_Without_Corruption gaining significant traction on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter). As of the latest count, the hashtag has been used in over 8,000 posts, viewed more than 6.5 million times, and shared by over 4,300 accounts. This online movement reflects the public’s approval of the Crown Prince’s efforts and their desire for a corruption-free Saudi Arabia.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been outspoken about the detrimental impact of corruption on the Kingdom. He has likened corruption to a cancer that had, over the past decades, consumed between 5% to 15% of the state budget, leading to significant inefficiencies in services, projects, and employment. This, he argues, has hindered the Kingdom’s development and prosperity for the past thirty years.
“I sincerely consider this scourge to be the number one enemy of development and prosperity and the cause of the loss of many great opportunities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the Crown Prince stated. “This thing has become a thing of the past and will not be repeated after today on any scale without a strong and painful reckoning for those who beg for it, big or small.”
The results of the Crown Prince’s anti-corruption campaign have been substantial. Over the past three years, the total proceeds from anti-corruption settlements have amounted to 247 billion riyals, which accounts for 20% of the total non-oil revenues. Additionally, assets worth tens of billions of riyals have been transferred to the Ministry of Finance, including real estate and shares, which will be liquidated and recorded in revenues over time.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s speech, delivered in gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for his address to the Shura Council, highlighted the significant progress made in the anti-corruption campaign. This campaign is not just a political move but a fundamental part of Vision 2030, the Crown Prince’s ambitious plan to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce its dependency on oil.
In addition to these efforts, new initiatives have been introduced to strengthen the Kingdom’s anti-corruption framework. The Saudi government has enhanced the powers of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, enabling it to act more swiftly and decisively. There are also plans to implement more rigorous financial disclosure requirements for public officials and to establish a specialized anti-corruption court to expedite the prosecution of corruption cases.
The Crown Prince’s efforts to combat corruption are part of a broader strategy to modernize Saudi Arabia and enhance its global image. By rooting out corruption, the Kingdom aims to attract more foreign investment, improve its business environment, and ultimately provide better services and opportunities for its citizens.
In conclusion, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s relentless pursuit of a corruption-free Saudi Arabia is reshaping the Kingdom’s economic and social landscape. His unwavering commitment and the tangible results of his anti-corruption campaign reflect a transformative era for Saudi Arabia. The ongoing and future initiatives to combat corruption are not only vital for the Kingdom’s development but also crucial for fostering a transparent and accountable governance system that can propel Saudi Arabia toward a prosperous future.
