Former Saudi security chief gets 20 years in jail

Lieutenant General Khalid bin Qarar Al-Harbi

The Ministry of Interior has published the final court verdict in the corruption case against former security chief Lieutenant General Khalid bin Qarar Al-Harbi, a former Director of Public Security.

The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) confirmed that it had initiated an investigation into Al-Harbi, and referred him to the competent court. A final court ruling was issued against him, convicting him of several crimes including abuse of power.

Al-Harbi has been convicted of bribery, forgery, and other related offenses, and has been handed down a ten-year prison sentence and a fine of SR1,000,000, which will be deposited into the state treasury

This verdict follows Royal Decree No. A/60 dated 30/1/1443H, which led to Al-Harbi’s dismissal from service and his subsequent investigation for a series of violations, including embezzlement, forgery, bribery, and abuse of power for personal gain.

Additionally, Al-Harbi was convicted of abusing his position for personal gain, exploiting government contracts, and embezzling public funds. He received another ten-year prison sentence for these crimes.

In addition to the prison sentence and fine, the court has ordered the seizure of bribe payments amounting to SR10,084,303. This sum, along with SR2,827,000 embezzled from public funds, will be returned to the state treasury.

Al-Harbi was also found guilty of misusing his official position and exploiting government contracts. As part of the ruling, he is required to return gifts and financial assistance valued at SR175,000 given to his relatives as bribes. Furthermore, two agricultural lands obtained through criminal activities, along with an additional SR584,000, will be confiscated and deposited into the state treasury.

The Ministry of Interior underscored the Saudi government’s unwavering commitment to protecting public funds and combating corruption.