The detained Saudi Prince, Miteb bin Abdullah, has been freed after reaching an “acceptable settlement agreement” with authorities that saw him pay more than $1 billion.
Prince Miteb, who was head of the elite National Guard and a contender for the throne, was among dozens of royal family members, ministers and senior officials rounded up in a “corruption” inquiry, aimed at strengthening the power of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Saudi official, who is involved in the anti-corruption campaign, said Prince Miteb was released after reaching “an acceptable settlement agreement”.
He told Reuters: “The amount of the settlement was not disclosed but it is believed to be more than one billion US dollar equivalent.
“It is understood that the settlement included admitting corruption involving known cases.”
Officials from Prince Miteb’s office have not issued a statement yet.
Royal family members and acquaintances of Prince Miteb had earlier posted messages on social media suggesting that he was at his home in Riyadh, but did not say how his release had come about.
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Apart from Prince Miteb, the Saudi official said that at least three other people allegedly involved in corruption cases have also finalised expensive settlement agreements.
He said the Public Prosecutor had also decided to release a number of individuals and to prosecute at least five individuals. The official gave Reuters no details on their identities.
