Saudi prince freed in ‘billion-dollar deal’ after graft probe

TIL Desk/World/Riyadh/ Saudi Arabia has freed influential Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, following a “settlement” with authorities reportedly exceeding USD 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, without outlining the terms of his release. The prince was released after paying more than USD 1 billion in a “settlement deal” with authorities. The prince was not reachable for comment.