In a recent case of financial fraud in Saudi Arabia, two expatriates were sentenced to 15 years in prison for their involvement in a scam that resulted in SR22 million in illegal gains. The court also imposed hefty fines on the convicts, with one being ordered to pay SR1 million and the other SR500,000. After serving their prison terms and paying the fines, the two individuals will be deported. Additionally, the court confiscated the money earned through their criminal activities.
The fraud scheme involved the creation of a financial fraud gang that targeted victims both inside and outside the Kingdom. The two defendants set up call centers in several regions of Saudi Arabia, from which they made fraudulent calls pretending to be representatives of government agencies. Through these operations, they were able to carry out 177 financial fraud activities, resulting in the collection of over SR22 million in illegal profits. Upon searching the defendants’ residence, authorities found tablets, external SIM cards, and advanced devices used for making fraudulent calls.
The Public Prosecution, responsible for investigating and prosecuting criminal cases, took immediate action to track down the stolen funds and return them to their rightful owners. This case serves as a reminder of the organization’s commitment to combatting financial fraud in all its forms, emphasizing that protecting the money of both citizens and expatriates is a top priority. The Public Prosecution reiterated its stance on pursuing severe punishments for anyone involved in such crimes, sending a clear message that financial fraud will not be tolerated in the Kingdom.
The successful prosecution and sentencing of the two expatriates involved in the fraud scheme sends a strong message to others considering similar criminal activities. The severity of the punishment, including lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and deportation, serves as a deterrent to potential fraudsters looking to exploit individuals for financial gain. The comprehensive investigation conducted by the Financial Fraud wing of the Public Prosecution demonstrates the commitment of Saudi authorities to root out financial crimes and protect the interests of the public.
The case highlights the importance of maintaining vigilance against financial fraud and the critical role of law enforcement agencies in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting those involved in such schemes. By dismantling this financial fraud gang and holding the perpetrators accountable, authorities in Saudi Arabia are sending a clear message that illegal activities of this nature will not be tolerated. As technology continues to advance, criminals may find new ways to carry out financial scams, but the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combatting such crimes remains unwavering.
In conclusion, the sentencing of the two expatriates involved in the SR22 million fraud case serves as a warning to others seeking to engage in criminal activities for financial gain. The swift action taken by the Public Prosecution and the court’s decision to impose severe penalties underscore the seriousness with which financial fraud is treated in Saudi Arabia. By upholding the rule of law and holding perpetrators accountable, authorities are working to safeguard the financial interests of both citizens and expatriates, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all.
Saudi police said they had arrested four expatriates accused of involvement in financial fraud of more than SR8 million.
The suspects are two Syrian residents, a Syrian visitor and a Yemeni resident, according to the Saudi Interior Ministry.
The ministry released a video showing a police raid on an apartment used by the four in pursuing fraud.
The video shows policemen searching the place and finding SIM cards used by the accused in the fraudulent acts. Mobile phones and a laptop were seized too.
The accused had duped their victims into believing they offered public services and defrauded them of SR8.9 million, the ministry said. The suspects were referred to public prosecution.
Last year, Saudi Arabia announced setting up a prosecution unit to handle cases of financial fraud in a step aimed to fast-track related procedures. Under Saudi law, fraud is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of SR5 million.
Last November, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme court upheld jail sentences totalling 70 years earlier handed down to 26 people including a former judge in a high-profile property deed manipulation case that surfaced more than a decade ago. The case started in Al Baha in south-western Saudi Arabia in 2011 and involved two-month investigations with suspects, who also included businessmen.
In July, Saudi authorities arrested a suspected ring of 12 expatriates and citizens accused of practising online fraud and transferring the illicit gains to outside the kingdom.
