Saudi prince freed in billion-dollar settlement with authorities: Graft

Saudi Arabia has freed influential Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, following a "settlement" with authorities reportedly exceeding $1 billion, more than three weeks after he was detained in a sweeping anti- corruption purge. The former National Guard chief was among more than 200 princes, ministers and businessmen who were rounded up earlier this month, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman tightens his grip on power. Prince Miteb, once seen as a contender to the throne, is the most high-profile royal to be released so far as the government appears to be striking monetary settlements with some of the detainees in exchange for their freedom. "Yes, Prince Miteb was released this morning (Tuesday)," a source close to the government told AFP, without outlining the terms of his release.

The prince was released after paying more than $1 billion in a "settlement deal" with authorities, Bloomberg News cited an unnamed official as saying, reports AFP.

The prince was not reachable for comment. Saudi information ministry officials also could not confirm the development but posts on social media by members of the royal family suggested he had been freed.

Princess Nouf bint Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud posted an old image of Prince Miteb on a verified Twitter account with the message: "Praise be to Allah. Peace be upon you". In a similar post with the picture of a smiling prince, Princess Abeer bint Khaled bin Abdullah tweeted: "May god grant you a long life, give you health and keep you safe for us."

Before his arrest the 64year-old son of the late king Abdullah was sacked as the head of the National Guard, an internal security force that has long been seen as a locus of tribal power.

Prince Miteb, the former National Guard chief was among more than 200 princes, ministers and businessmen who were rounded up this month, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman tightens his grip on power

Some analysts saw Prince Miteb's removal as an attempt by Prince Mohammed, who is also Saudi defence minister, to consolidate his control over the security services.

But Saudi authorities insist the purge was meant solely to target endemic corruption as the kingdom seeks to diversify its oil-dependent economy. In an interview with the New York Times published last week, Prince Mohammed said 95 per cent of those detained agree to a "settlement", or handing over illgotten assets or cash to the Saudi state treasury. Saudi Arabia's attorney general estimates at least USD 100 billion has been misused in embezzlement or corruption over several decades.