A citizen arrested in Riyadh for harboring 47 illegal residents: sentenced to 15 years in prison and a million-dollar fine
In a new security operation that underscores the vigilance of Saudi Arabian security forces, the Criminal Investigation Department of the Riyadh Police arrested a Saudi citizen involved in a serious security case. The case involved transporting and harboring 47 Ethiopian nationals who had violated border security regulations. Immediate legal procedures were initiated, with the citizen being detained and the violators referred to the appropriate authorities. The main suspect was referred to the Public Prosecution for further investigation.
Deterrent penalties in the border security system
This incident has once again highlighted the strict warnings repeatedly issued by Saudi Public Security, emphasizing that harboring violators of border security regulations or facilitating their entry or movement within the Kingdom is a major crime. The penalties stipulated for this offense include imprisonment for up to 15 years, a fine of up to one million Saudi riyals, confiscation of the vehicle and accommodation used for sheltering the offender, and public shaming of the perpetrator to serve as a deterrent to others.
General context and ongoing security efforts
This operation comes within the framework of ongoing field security campaigns conducted by the Saudi Ministry of Interior and various security sectors to track down and apprehend violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations. These efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at eliminating negative phenomena and ensuring the rule of law. In previous years, the Kingdom launched comprehensive national campaigns, such as the "A Nation Without Violators" campaign, to rectify the status of workers and secure its borders, reflecting the state's strong commitment to protecting its internal security.
Security and economic dimensions of apprehending violators
The importance of these seizures extends beyond the criminal aspect, encompassing crucial security, economic, and social dimensions. The presence of large numbers of border security violators poses a direct threat to societal stability, as these violators are often linked to other crimes or illicit activities. Economically, these campaigns contribute to regulating the labor market and protecting it from undocumented workers, which negatively impact job opportunities and the competitiveness of the national economy. Classifying these acts as "crimes against honor and integrity" underscores the serious role played by smugglers and those who harbor them in harming the nation's highest interests.
Call for cooperation and reporting
In closing, the security authorities reiterated their call to all citizens and residents to cooperate with the relevant agencies by reporting any suspicious activity related to violations of residency, labor, and border security regulations. The Ministry provided unified and easy-to-use contact numbers: 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom, emphasizing that national security is a shared responsibility.
