khaleejmirror.com khaleejmirror.com
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Saudi Arabian Public Prosecution announced on Monday the conviction of a criminal organization consisting of 23 expatriates from Asian nationalities on charges of money laundering. The defendants have been sentenced to imprisonment for terms ranging from 4 to 15 years, according to a statement reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
A reliable source from the Public Prosecution stated in the statement that “the Economic Crimes Prosecution has concluded its investigations with a criminal organization comprising 23 expatriates from Asian nationalities on charges of money laundering,” as reported by the agency.
The source added that the investigation revealed that the defendants were found in possession of more than four million Saudi riyals in cash (approximately one million US dollars). They concealed the money by dividing the amount and distributing it among each of them while attempting to leave the country through a land border using a transport bus.
The source further elaborated that the money was found to be derived from crimes and violations of various regulations. The individuals had entered the kingdom on visit visas, but they were arrested due to the severity of the charges against them. They were subsequently referred to the competent court, and evidence of their accusations was presented, as stated in the official statement.
The trial concluded with a verdict that found 16 of the accused guilty and sentenced them to 15 years of imprisonment along with a fine of seven million Saudi riyals (approximately 1.8 million US dollars) each. The remaining defendants received prison terms ranging from 4 to 8 years, along with various fines. Additionally, the confiscated money was seized, and after serving their sentences, all the convicts will be deported from Saudi Arabia, as per the SPA report.
Money laundering is a serious offense that undermines the integrity of financial systems and enables the illicit flow of funds. The Saudi authorities’ efforts to uncover and prosecute such criminal activities demonstrate the nation’s commitment to combating financial crimes and ensuring the security and stability of its economy.
