Influential Saudi prince released in graft probe

RIYADH

Saudi authorities have reportedly released Prince Mutaib bin Abdullah, the former head of the Saudi National Guard, after weeks of investigation into corruption charges.

Mutaib, the son of late king Abdullah, was among 11 princes, four sitting ministers, a dozen former ministers, deputies and businessmen detained in a massive anti-corruption sweep earlier this month.

Writing on Twitter late Tuesday, Nouf bint Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Saud, Mutaib’s sister, confirmed that her brother had been freed from detention.

Saudi authorities have yet to confirm the news.

According to a Saudi official who spoke on condition of anonymity, Prince Mutaib was released after paying $1 billion in a settlement agreement with the authorities.

The mass arrests were launched hours after an anti-corruption committee under Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman was formed by a royal decree.

The committee reportedly has the authority to investigate, arrest, ban from travel, disclose and freeze accounts and portfolios and track funds and assets of individuals involved in corruption.

Reporting by Ramazan Turhut:Writing by Ali Murat Alhas