In a new security operation reflecting the vigilance of the security services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Criminal Investigation and Research Department of the Riyadh Police was able to arrest a Saudi citizen who was involved in a case that affected border security, by transporting and sheltering a large number of violators of the border security system.
In detail, security authorities successfully identified and apprehended a citizen who had transported and harbored 47 Ethiopian nationals in violation of border security regulations, in clear contravention of the laws and regulations in force in the Kingdom. Immediate legal procedures were initiated, resulting in the detention of the citizen and the violators. The violators were referred to the appropriate authorities for legal action, while the citizen involved was referred to the Public Prosecution for further investigation and the application of deterrent penalties.
Strict penalties and crimes of moral turpitude
Saudi Arabia's Public Security Directorate reiterated the seriousness of these practices, emphasizing that the Kingdom's regulations do not tolerate anyone who facilitates the entry of border security violators, transports them, or provides them with shelter. Penalties for such offenses can reach up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to one million Saudi riyals, confiscation of the vehicle and accommodation used for sheltering the perpetrator, and public shaming of the offender.
These acts are classified as “major crimes” that warrant arrest, and they are also considered crimes that violate honor and integrity, given the direct threat they pose to the security and safety of society, and the challenge they present to the sovereignty of the state over its borders.
Context of security efforts and combating violators
This operation comes within the framework of ongoing field security campaigns conducted by the Ministry of Interior across its various sectors to track down and apprehend violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations. These intensive efforts aim to eliminate the phenomenon of undocumented and illegal workers, which can be a breeding ground for criminal or security offenses, in addition to its negative impact on the national economy and labor market.
For years, Saudi Arabia has been working according to a comprehensive security strategy (such as the “A Nation Without Violators” campaign) to ensure that all residents within its borders are legally registered, thus enhancing security and social stability. The apprehension of this large number (47 violators) in a single operation is a testament to the efficiency of the monitoring and enforcement capabilities of the Riyadh police.
A call for community cooperation
In closing, the security authorities reiterated their call to all citizens and residents to cooperate in reporting any suspected cases related to violations of residency, labor, and border security regulations. They clarified that reporting can be done through the official unified numbers:
- The number (911) is available in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province.
- The numbers (999) and (996) are used in the rest of the Kingdom's regions.
This cooperation is a fundamental pillar in the comprehensive security system, where the citizen and resident are considered the “first line of defense” in preserving the nation’s resources and achievements.
