Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) has launched a major anti-corruption crackdown in 2026, arresting several government and private-sector employees over bribery, embezzlement, and misuse of public funds involving millions of Saudi riyals.
Nazaha Arrests PIF-Linked Company Officials
In coordination with the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Nazaha arrested a non-Saudi projects director working at a PIF-affiliated company for receiving SR2.175 million in bribes from two Saudi nationals and a non-Saudi commercial entity executive.
The payments were allegedly made in exchange for awarding renovation and subcontracting projects. More details on public sector governance can be found in Saudi Public Sector Reforms .
Health Affairs Employee Caught in SR10 Million Bribery Scheme
Nazaha also arrested a Health Affairs employee while he was receiving SR500,000 for facilitating the awarding of two projects worth SR384.3 million to a commercial entity.
Investigations revealed that the total agreed bribe amounted to SR10 million, of which SR4.5 million had already been received and distributed among senior officials involved in the scheme.
Officials Involved in the Scheme
- Director of Engineering Affairs
- Assistant Director
- Head of Bid Review Committee
Security Personnel Arrested for Embezzlement and Theft
In cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, authorities arrested a retired non-commissioned officer for embezzling SR2.16 million seized in criminal cases during his service.
Another soldier and two Saudi citizens were also detained for stealing SR1.4 million from a non-Saudi resident. Related legal procedures are discussed in Saudi Criminal Law Procedures .
Civil Status and Municipal Employees Involved in Bribery
Three Civil Status employees were arrested for receiving SR850,000 to illegally register births and issue national identity cards.
Meanwhile, three municipal employees were detained for accepting bribes related to zoning approvals, licensing procedures, and building permits.
Municipal Corruption Cases
- SR300,000 received for zoning approvals
- SR20,000 for awarding construction projects
- Illegal issuance of permits and certificates
Ministry and Regional Authority Corruption Cases
Nazaha also detained an employee at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture for manipulating livestock support records in exchange for bribes.
Additionally, a regional development authority employee was arrested for hiring his wife at contracted companies and collecting salaries without work attendance. For compliance standards, visit Saudi Government Compliance Rules .
Civil Defense Officer Arrested for Safety Violation Bribes
A civil defense non-commissioned officer was arrested for soliciting bribes from commercial entities in exchange for overlooking safety violations and regulatory breaches.
Nazaha Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Policy on Corruption
Nazaha emphasized that corruption-related crimes do not expire under Saudi law and that all offenders will be prosecuted without leniency, even after leaving public office.
This commitment aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of transparency and accountability. Learn more at Saudi Vision 2030 Governance Reforms .
Conclusion
The latest arrests demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s continued determination to combat financial and administrative corruption across public and private sectors. Through strict enforcement and oversight, the Kingdom aims to safeguard public funds and strengthen investor confidence.
