RIYADH: The kingdom’s National Anti-Corruption Commission, known as Nazaha, announced the arrest of 207 employees in across the government ministries on allegations of corruption, abuse of authority and fraud.

The move taken late on Monday by the anti-corruption body empowered by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. The names of the detainees not disclosed but probably they hail from the national guard and a range of ministries, including defence, interior and health and justice, among others, according to agencies report.

The Crown Prince’s anti-corruption purge began in late 2017. It has helped him consolidate power and netted the government $106bn in assets.

There are complained of rampant corruption in government and of public funds being squandered or misused by those in power. The commission said more than 460 people were investigated in this latest round including the latest arrests while accused will be referred to prosecution, the commission said.