RIYADH: Two expatriates convicted of financial fraud have each been jailed for 15 years in Saudi Arabia and fined a total of SR1.5 million ($400,000). They were found guilty of 177 crimes from which they amassed more than SR22 million.
Investigations revealed the pair organized a fraud operation that targeted victims inside and outside the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. They established call centers in several regions across the country, from which they contacted victims while pretending to be government officials.
A search of their residence revealed tablets, SIM cards, two high-tech telecoms devices for making fraudulent calls, and a control device that managed the entire operation.
One of the individuals was fined SR1 million and the other SR500,000. The court also ordered that their ill-gotten gains be seized, and they be deported after completing their sentences. Officials from the Public Prosecution worked to trace the illicit funds and froze them so that the money can be returned to the victims.
The Public Prosecution said it remains committed to investigating such crimes and taking action against anyone found to be involved in them, as efforts to combat financial fraud are a top priority to help protect the assets of citizens and residents.
