A Saudi criminal court has sentenced an 11-member organized fraud gang to a combined 155 years in prison after convicting them of carrying out a massive SR40 million financial scam that targeted prominent figures and vulnerable victims across Saudi Arabia.
Who Was Behind the Saudi Fraud Network?
The criminal network included eight Saudi nationals and three Sudanese residents and was led by a businessman and his wife, a hairdresser. According to court records, the gang created the illusion of wealth by renting luxury villas, driving expensive cars, and using distinctive phone numbers to convince victims they were dealing with powerful investors.
How the SR40 Million Scam Was Carried Out
Prosecutors revealed that the group specialized in selling fake real estate deals supported by forged property documents. Victims were persuaded to hand over large sums of money for properties that did not exist.
Among those defrauded were a former Saudi national football team supervisor, a Saudi poet and writer, and a blind woman who lost SR6 million after giving the gang power of attorney.
Violence, Coercion, and Fake Property Deals
Court documents showed that the gang used threats, unlawful detention, and even firearms to force victims to issue cheques. In one incident, a real estate broker was held hostage in a seaside residence, blindfolded, handcuffed, and threatened until he signed a cheque for a fake property transfer.
Harsh Prison Sentences and Travel Bans
The gang leader was sentenced to 25 years in prison and banned from traveling for another 25 years. His wife received 13 years in prison, a travel ban, and a fine of SR100,000. A Sudanese accomplice was sentenced to 18 years in jail, deportation, and was convicted of money laundering after unlawfully detaining and electrocuting a victim.
Other defendants received prison terms ranging from eight to 18 years, in addition to fines, deportation orders, and penalties for facilitating fraudulent financial transactions.
Confiscation of Assets and Money Laundering Charges
The Saudi court ordered the confiscation of all seized cash, mobile phones, SIM cards, and the firearm used in the crimes. It also ordered the forfeiture of assets equal to the proceeds of money laundering.
Strong Evidence and Repeat Offenders
Prosecutors presented more than 250 pieces of evidence, including digital records, confessions, and financial documents proving the defendants’ involvement in fraud, forgery, robbery, unlawful detention, breach of trust, and money laundering.
Investigators confirmed the gang leader was a repeat offender with previous criminal records and active arrest warrants.
Saudi Arabia’s Crackdown on Financial Crime
This ruling reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen financial integrity and protect citizens from fraud. The Kingdom continues to enhance its digital and legal frameworks, including initiatives like the Absher electronic government services, to improve transparency and security.
Through strict enforcement and harsh penalties, Saudi Arabia is sending a strong message that financial crime and organized fraud will not be tolerated.
