Integrity Commission: 113 individuals accused of corruption were arrested in 5 ministries during November
The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continued its proactive strikes and tireless efforts to protect public funds and promote the principles of transparency and integrity, as the Authority revealed the results of its intensive field and legal work during November 2025. The announced official figures showed the Authority’s continued strict approach and application of the “zero tolerance” policy towards corruption, targeting anyone who dares to tamper with the nation’s resources or exploit public office to achieve illicit personal gains.
Details of security operations and investigations in November
According to the statistical statement issued by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha), its oversight teams conducted extensive field activity, including 6,981 inspection visits during November. These meticulous visits resulted in 371 criminal and administrative investigations, leading to the arrest of 113 individuals (some of whom were released on bail). Nazaha explained that the detected crimes ranged from bribery and abuse of official influence to misuse of power and forgery. The investigations encompassed employees in five key ministries, underscoring the comprehensiveness of its oversight and ensuring that no government sector is exempt from accountability.
Historical context: A radical shift in the fight against corruption
These figures cannot be viewed in isolation from the historic transformation that Saudi Arabia has undergone since the launch of Vision 2030. The major anti-corruption campaign launched in November 2017 marked a pivotal turning point in the history of Saudi governance, as the leadership established a firm principle, declared by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, that "no one involved in corruption will escape punishment, regardless of their position, whether minister or prince." This decisive policy moved the Kingdom from a phase of traditional anti-corruption measures to one of "eradicating corruption" at its roots, contributing to the establishment of an institutional environment based on governance and transparency.
Economic importance and international influence
The efforts of "Nazaha" are of paramount importance, extending beyond the criminal dimension to reach profound economic and developmental impacts at both the local and international levels:
- Enhancing investor confidence: Eliminating administrative and financial corruption is a key pillar for attracting foreign direct investment, as investors are always looking for a stable and transparent legal environment that guarantees their rights.
- Improving the efficiency of government spending: These controls contribute to stopping financial waste and directing state resources towards real development and infrastructure projects instead of leaking them through illegal channels.
- Improving international indicators: The continuation of these campaigns positively impacts the Kingdom’s ranking in global corruption perception indices and competitiveness reports, thus enhancing Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading country in the G20.
National responsibility and community engagement
In all its statements, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha) reiterates that combating corruption is a shared national responsibility that extends beyond regulatory bodies and requires public awareness and cooperation. The Commission urges citizens and residents to report any suspicious activities through official channels (the toll-free number 980), emphasizing that the system guarantees complete confidentiality and protection for whistleblowers, ensuring a fair and secure national environment.
