Reuters: Former Head of Saudi National Guard Released After Paying One Billion Dollars

A Saudi official said on Wednesday, December 8, that Mutaib bin Abdullah, a member of the royal family and former head of the Saudi National Guard, has been released based on an agreement with government officials in exchange for a payment of one billion dollars. According to Reuters, Mutaib bin Abdullah, along with dozens of other members of the Saudi royal family, current ministers, and former officials, was arrested last month under the orders of the 'Anti-Corruption Committee.' Mutaib is the son of Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the former king of Saudi Arabia. Reuters reports that the recent arrests are part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's efforts to strengthen and consolidate his power in the country. An unnamed Saudi official told Reuters on Wednesday that Mutaib bin Abdullah was released after reaching 'an acceptable agreement' and in exchange for the payment of one billion dollars. This official, who is a member of the Anti-Corruption Committee, added that Mutaib bin Abdullah was released on Tuesday following this agreement. Although the exact amount paid has not been disclosed, it appears to be around one billion dollars. This official also mentioned that the agreement included an admission of corruption charges in the relevant cases. Earlier on Tuesday, relatives and acquaintances of Mutaib bin Abdullah had reported on social media about his return to his home. Reuters states that during the recent corruption-related arrests in Saudi Arabia, at least 11 members of the royal family, four ministers, and several former officials were detained. One of the notable figures arrested is Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, who is said to have a wealth of approximately 18.7 billion dollars. He is a major shareholder in companies such as Apple and Citigroup. Previously, the Financial Times reported that the Saudi government is seeking to confiscate 70 percent of the assets of those detained in several cases. Saudi officials have stated that the 'Anti-Corruption Committee' has so far interrogated 208 individuals, and these individuals have allegedly acquired at least 100 billion dollars in 'illegitimate wealth.' An international human rights organization claims that these widespread arrests are more indicative of 'power plays within' rather than a movement that 'Saudi media' portrays as a fight against corruption. The Human Rights Watch has called on the Saudi government to provide information about the legal and judicial basis for these arrests. Reuters had previously reported that many experts believe the purpose of these arrests goes beyond fighting corruption, and the real reason is to eliminate obstacles in the way of Mohammed bin Salman, the 32-year-old Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. In this context, the 'confiscation of assets' of the detainees is seen as a condition for their 'release.' Arrests in Saudi Arabia continue, with Trump welcoming the actions of the king and crown prince in the 'fight against corruption.' Dozens of detained Saudi officials are being held under supervision in 'five-star hotels.' Changes of two key ministers and widespread arrests continue in Saudi Arabia.