Integrity Commission: 116 suspended and 466 investigated for corruption – December 2025

The Saudi Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) continued its relentless efforts to purge government and service institutions of irregular practices. Its statistical report for December 2025 revealed that it had initiated a large number of criminal and administrative cases. The Authority announced that it had conducted extensive investigations involving 466 defendants, resulting in the detention of 116 citizens and residents (some of whom were released on bail) in connection with various cases related to integrity and transparency.

The authority explained that the detected crimes ranged from bribery and abuse of official influence to money laundering and forgery. The investigations included employees in vital sectors that directly impact citizens' lives, with cases concentrated in key sovereign and service ministries, most notably the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and the Ministry of Health. This announcement underscores that the law applies to everyone without exception, regardless of job rank or sector.

Historical context: The war on corruption is a pillar of Vision 2030

These figures cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader context of the Kingdom since the launch of Vision 2030. The fight against corruption has marked a pivotal turning point in the history of modern Saudi governance, with the leadership adopting a firm approach based on the principle of “no immunity for the corrupt.” These ongoing campaigns are an extension of policies aimed at protecting public funds and enhancing the efficiency of government spending, reflecting the state’s unwavering commitment to enshrining the principles of transparency and accountability as integral parts of its new national identity.

The economic and social impact of "Integrity" efforts

These oversight efforts are of paramount importance, extending far beyond mere criminal penalties; they play a pivotal role in improving the Kingdom's investment climate. Combating administrative and financial corruption enhances the confidence of both local and international investors in the Saudi market and ensures a level playing field and fair competition. Furthermore, safeguarding financial resources in sectors such as health, education, and municipalities positively impacts the quality of services provided to citizens and residents, and guarantees that development projects reach their intended beneficiaries with the required quality and on schedule.

In closing, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha) reiterated its commitment to monitoring and apprehending anyone who misappropriates public funds or abuses their position for personal gain or to harm the public interest. The Commission called upon all citizens and residents to cooperate by reporting any suspected corruption through its official channels, emphasizing that all reports are treated with the utmost confidentiality to protect whistleblowers, thus strengthening community partnership in combating this scourge.