Saudi Arabia says corruption probe detainees will face trial

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia’s newly established anti-corruption committee overseeing the arrests of top princes and officials said Monday that evidence of widespread corruption has been uncovered among “influential officials and senior executives” and that trials will soon be held, the first tacit government acknowledgment of the seniority of those under investigation.

Skeptics of the sweep say it is punishing select figures in the country, some of whom were potential rivals or possible critics of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who heads the anti-corruption committee that was formed late Saturday shortly before the arrests.

King Salman, meanwhile, conducted state business as usual, swearing in new officials to take over from a powerful prince and former minister believed to be detained in the largescale sweep that has shocked the country and upended longstanding traditions within the ruling family.

The official Saudi Press Agency released images of the king swearing in new National Guard chief Prince Khalid bin Ayyaf al-Muqrin and new Economy and Planning Minister Mohammad al-Tuwaijri.

Eleven princes and 38 officials and businessmen are reportedly being held at five-star hotels across the capital, Riyadh.

The highest-profile royal caught in the sweep is Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, an outspoken billionaire with investments in Western companies. The company he chairs, Kingdom Holding Co., sought to reassure investors after its stock plunged following his arrest.

Kingdom Holding Co. said in a statement Monday that it maintains the government’s “vote of confidence” as it pursues its investment strategy and global business operations.