RIYADH: In a major crackdown in the capital, Riyadh police arrested a total 885 expats who have violated local regulations within the last 24 hours.
Last week, Riyadh Governor Prince Faisal bin Bandar signed a directive instructing security authorities to apprehend all foreign workers who are illegally staying in his region.
According to police reports, most of the crimes in the city are committed by this segment of the population who illegally stay in the capital.
A Riyadh police official said those arrested of different nationalities were found in areas such as Shumaisi, Al-Faisaliah, Hai Al-Wazarat and Thumamah.
Police conducted the inspections in cooperation with the ministries of interior, labor and social development and commerce and investment, and also the department of immigration, which functions under the Ministry of Interior.
Among those arrested were six wanted men, five wanted for criminal offenses, five were booked for forgery, three for stealing cars, five persons were charged with document forgery, along with five non-Saudi security guards and 323 motorcyclists who violated traffic laws.
The inspection teams also seized 6,500 counterfeit auto spare parts, 12,000 fake electrical and electronic gadgets intended for sale, 3,200 counterfeit mobile chargers, and 16,000 items of cosmetics, and body and facial creams which are not up to the health specifications of the Ministry of Health.
On completion of inquiry, the police said the suspects will be produced before a court of law for necessary punishment and deportation if they are expatriates.
Similar inspections are being carried out in all parts of the Kingdom in concurrence with the respective governorates of the regions. Expatriates are advised to carry their residency certificates, driving licenses and vehicle registration certificates to cooperate with security officers.
Retail outlets, warehouses and gas stations will also be scrutinized to ensure their products and services are according to the Kingdom’s standards and follow the copyright regulations of the country.