One Of Detained Saudi Princes Freed After Agreeing To Refund $1b

Saudi Prince Miteb bin Abdullah has been released more than three weeks after he was detained on allegations of corruption after agreeing to pay an “acceptable settlement” of more than $1bn, officials say.

He is one of more than 200 political and business figures detained in anti-corruption raids on 4 November.

According to a BBC report, more than three other people have also reached settlements with the Saudi government.

“Yes, Prince Miteb was released this morning [Tuesday],” a source close to the government told the Agence France-Presse news agency.

Prince Miteb, who is the cousin of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and headed Saudi Arabia’s elite National Guard, was the most politically influential royal detained in the corruption crackdown.

The 64-year-old son of the late King Abdullah was sacked shortly before his detention.

Princes, ministers and top businessmen were arrested at the beginning of the month and detained in a luxury hotel, accused of corruption.
Authorities grounded their private aircraft and their assets were seized.