In a move reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to eradicating corruption and promoting transparency and integrity, the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) announced that it has initiated several major criminal cases recently. These efforts are part of the comprehensive reforms underway in the Kingdom under Vision 2030, which prioritizes combating corruption to ensure an attractive investment environment, protect public funds, and achieve sustainable development. These periodic announcements from Nazaha are part of its transparency policy, keeping the public informed about its ongoing efforts to prosecute those who violate the law.

The official spokesperson for the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority stated that the Authority has initiated a number of criminal cases during the past period, and the necessary legal procedures are being completed against the perpetrators. The most prominent cases were as follows:

The first case: In cooperation with the Public Investment Fund, a resident working as a project manager in one of the Fund’s commercial entities was arrested for receiving (2,175,000) riyals from two citizens “who were arrested” who own a commercial entity and a resident working as an executive manager of another commercial entity “who was arrested” in exchange for awarding a project to renovate one of the company’s sites to one of the commercial entities, in addition to enabling the two commercial entities to obtain subcontract work in one of the projects.

The second case: An employee working in health affairs in one of the regions was arrested at the moment he received an amount of (500,000) riyals, in exchange for facilitating the qualification and awarding procedures for two projects in health affairs in the same region to one of the commercial entities with a total amount of (384,295,150) riyals. Through investigations it was proven that the total amount agreed upon was (10,000,000) riyals, of which he had previously received an amount of (4,500,000) riyals from the executive director of the commercial entity “who was arrested.” The first one handed over the amount to the director of engineering affairs, the assistant general manager of engineering affairs, and the head of the bids examination committee in the same health affairs “who were arrested.”

The third case: Three employees working in the Civil Status Department in one of the regions were arrested for receiving (850,000) riyals in installments from a citizen who was arrested in exchange for registering births and issuing national identity cards in an irregular manner.

The fourth case: In cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, a retired non-commissioned officer was arrested for embezzling (2,160,000) riyals from the funds seized in criminal cases during his time working at a police station in one of the governorates.

Fifth case: An employee working in the secretariat of one of the governorates was arrested at the moment he received the sum of (300,000) riyals out of an agreed sum of (800,000) riyals, in exchange for facilitating and completing the procedures for issuing licenses, organizational sketches and raw land in the same governorate.

Case Six: In cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, a non-commissioned officer working in the Civil Defense in one of the governorates was arrested for requesting sums of money from commercial entities in exchange for not issuing violations for their non-compliance with safety regulations.

Case Seven: In cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, a soldier working at a police station in one of the regions and two citizens were arrested for conspiring to steal (1,400,000) riyals from a resident.

Case Eight: An employee working in the secretariat of one of the regions was arrested for receiving an amount of (20,000) riyals from a citizen who was arrested in exchange for facilitating the procedures for awarding a project to construct and develop a building for one of the municipalities, as he was a member of the bids examination committee.

Case Nine: An employee working at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and a resident were arrested for receiving sums of money from citizens in exchange for opening files and updating the eligibility for agricultural support for livestock by creating fake numbers for non-existent livestock.

Case Ten: An employee working at the municipality of one of the regions was arrested for receiving sums of money in exchange for issuing building permits and building completion certificates in an irregular manner, in cooperation with a resident who was arrested and who works for a contracting company.

Eleventh case: An employee working for the development authority of one of the regions was suspended for employing his wife in one of the companies contracted with his employer and for her receiving monthly salaries without her presence.

These issues are of paramount importance due to their direct impact on the trust of citizens and investors in state institutions. Prosecuting those involved in corruption cases, regardless of their positions, sends a powerful message that no one is above the law, thus strengthening the rule of law and reinforcing the principle of justice. Economically, these measures contribute to improving the business climate and attracting foreign investment, as transparency and the fight against corruption are among the most important criteria by which investors evaluate a country's environment.

The official spokesperson for the Authority confirmed that it continues to monitor and apprehend anyone who misappropriates public funds or exploits their position to achieve their personal interests or to harm the public interest, and will hold them accountable even after their relationship with the position ends, since financial and administrative corruption crimes do not lapse with time, and that the Authority is proceeding with the application of what the system stipulates against violators without leniency.

The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) announced the completion of the February pension payments for beneficiaries of the civil and military retirement and social insurance schemes, with the total amount deposited into the accounts of retirees and beneficiaries reaching approximately 12 billion Saudi riyals. This measure comes as part of GOSI's commitment to its obligations towards a broad segment of citizens who have dedicated their lives to serving the nation.

Historical background and the pivotal role of the institution

The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) is the cornerstone of the social protection system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Since its establishment, it has worked to provide insurance coverage that guarantees citizens a dignified life after retirement, or in cases of disability or death. In recent years, GOSI has undergone significant structural development, most notably the merger with the Public Pension Agency (PPA). This strategic move aims to unify the insurance coverage for public and private sector employees, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and improving the quality of services provided to both subscribers and retirees.

The economic and social importance of pensions

The monthly injection of 12 billion riyals into the local economy is not merely a routine disbursement, but a significant economic driver. This cash flow enhances citizens' purchasing power, positively impacting market activity and the retail and service sectors. On a social level, these pensions provide a financial safety net for millions of Saudi families, ensuring their financial stability and meeting their basic needs, thus contributing to social stability and improving the quality of life for retirees and their families.

Alignment with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030

This commitment to directly disbursing pensions aligns with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, specifically the “Vibrant Society” pillar. The Vision places great emphasis on improving the quality of life for citizens and providing them with the means for a dignified life at all stages. Ensuring the financial stability of retirees is an integral part of these objectives, reflecting the strength and resilience of the state’s financial system and its ability to fulfill its obligations to its citizens, thus reinforcing confidence in the Kingdom’s future development plans.