New Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority Law Enhances Efforts to Combat Corruption in Saudi Arabia
New Anti-Corruption Law in Saudi Arabia Grants Authority to Make Financial Settlements
In a significant move to combat corruption in Saudi Arabia, the new Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority’s law has been approved by the Council of Ministers. This law grants the Authority the power to make financial settlements with individuals or entities who have committed corruption crimes and have initiated requests for settlement.
The President of the Authority, Mazin Al-Kahmous, emphasized that these settlements will help in reducing the economic and social consequences of corruption crimes and will contribute to the recovery of embezzled funds to the state treasury. This alternative criminal justice mechanism aims to ensure that public funds are protected and accountability is enforced.
The law includes provisions for criminal investigation, prosecution, and the establishment of councils to oversee the Authority’s operations. It defines various forms of corruption crimes that the Authority is responsible for investigating, such as bribery, misappropriation of public funds, and abuse of power.
Al-Kahmous highlighted the importance of the law in enhancing the Authority’s role in combating financial and administrative corruption, safeguarding public funds, and preserving the country’s resources and achievements. The law also emphasizes the complete independence of the Authority and its role in promoting transparency and integrity.
Citizens, residents, and all public and private entities are encouraged to collaborate with the Authority in efforts to protect integrity and combat corruption. The law ensures that necessary measures are taken to protect individuals who report or provide information about corruption crimes.
Overall, the new Anti-Corruption Law in Saudi Arabia reflects the leadership’s commitment to developing legislation for law enforcement agencies to hold perpetrators of corruption crimes accountable and recover funds to the state treasury. It solidifies the Kingdom’s position regionally and internationally in the fight against corruption.