A citizen arrested in Riyadh for harboring 47 illegal residents: sentenced to 15 years in prison and a million-dollar fine
In a new security strike that confirms the vigilance of security men 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, as he transported and sheltered (47) violators of the border security system of Ethiopian nationality.
The citizen and the violators were arrested and the legal procedures were taken against them. The violators were referred to the competent authority to apply the prescribed penalties, while the citizen involved in transportation and sheltering was referred to the Public Prosecution, due to the seriousness of the crime committed and its classification as one of the major crimes that warrant arrest.
Details of the strict penalties in the border security system
This operation comes within the context of the Ministry of Interior and Public Security's ongoing emphasis on the seriousness of dealing with violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations. Public Security has affirmed that penalties in such cases are extremely severe to ensure deterrence for anyone who might consider jeopardizing the nation's security.
The penalties prescribed for anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of the Kingdom's border security system, or transports them within it, or provides them with shelter, or offers them any assistance or service in any form, include the following:
- Imprisonment for up to (15) years.
- A financial penalty of up to one million Saudi riyals.
- Confiscating the means of transport used in the crime.
- Confiscating the housing that was prepared to shelter violators.
- Publicly shaming the perpetrator to serve as a lesson to others.
General context and importance of security campaigns
These security efforts fall within the Kingdom's comprehensive strategy to combat violations of residency, labor, and border security regulations, which aims to enhance internal security and protect society from the negative repercussions of undocumented and illegal workers. These campaigns are an integral part of maintaining economic and social stability, as the presence of violators is often linked to negative phenomena and various crimes that affect the safety of citizens and legal residents.
Aiding and abetting lawbreakers is considered a "major crime" involving moral turpitude and breach of trust, a legal classification reflecting the extent of the harm these actions inflict on the public interest. Concealing or assisting lawbreakers is not merely an administrative violation, but a blatant transgression against the rule of law and border security, warranting the severest penalties.
Corporate social responsibility and reporting methods
Security authorities emphasized the crucial role of citizens and residents in maintaining security, stressing that security is everyone's responsibility. They urged all members of society to promptly report any suspicious activity related to violations of residency, labor, or border security regulations.
These violations can be reported through the official channels designated for this purpose, which are:
- 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.
Cooperating with security personnel in this regard is a national duty that contributes to protecting the nation's resources and ensuring the safety of its society from any potential dangers.
