Royal Commission for AlUla CEO arrested for abuse of power and money laundering

Eng. Amr Al-Madani, the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Commission for AlUla, has been apprehended on charges of misusing authority and money laundering, involving a substantial sum of SR206 million. According to an official source from the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), Al-Madani’s business partners in a separate company have also been detained in connection with the case.

Al-Madani faces allegations of orchestrating abuse of power and money laundering activities by illicitly securing contracts for the National Talents Company from the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy. The impropriety occurred during the period preceding Al-Madani’s entry into the government sector, with the total monetary involvement reaching SR20,66,30,905. Although Al-Madani officially disassociated himself from the company upon assuming government duties, he retained ownership.

Furthermore, it has been revealed that Al-Madani advocated for a deal with the Royal Commission, resulting in the National Talents Company obtaining projects valued at SR12,98,923. This arrangement was designed to accrue personal benefits for Al-Madani from companies contracting with the commission, with profits being channeled through one of his relatives, Muhammad Bin Sulaiman Al-Harbi, who has also been arrested.

Arrests extend beyond Al-Madani, as his company partners, Saeed Bin Atef Ahmed Saeed and Jamal Bin Khalid Abdullah Al-Dabal, both Saudi citizens, have been detained due to their complicity in the misuse of power and money laundering. Legal procedures against all suspects are underway, and they will be referred to court in accordance with regulations, stated Nazaha, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to pursuing those who exploit authority for personal gain, or at the expense of public interests. The Authority affirms its dedication to enforcing the law without leniency for transgressors against public funds.