Saudi body: Corruption complaints up 30% in 2017

The Saudi National Anti-Corruption Commission said yesterday that the number of corruption complaints has increased by 30 per cent in 2017 compared to the previous year.

In a statement, the commission explained that it had received 10,402 complaints in 2017 compared with 6,242 in 2016, adding that a majority of the complaints – 37 per cent –were concerning embezzlement or misuse of public money followed by administrative mismanagement and abuse of power at 21 per cent each.

According to the commission a majority of the complaints – 34 per cent – were received through its website followed by 21 per cent received through mobile phone applications, and 21 per cent which were filed in person. Only two per cent of the complaints were filed by phone.

In December, last year the commission said it has documented irregularities in 45 per cent of governmental procurement systems and their executive regulations due to gaps in the systems.

The head of the National Anti-Corruption Commission said the formation of the new anti-corruption committee under the chairmanship of the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman will lead to those found guilty of corruption to be punished.

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