Saudi princes, ministers reportedly arrested in anti-corruption purge

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images(RIYADH) — Dozens of top officials in Saudi Arabia were arrested on Saturday as part of an anti-corruption purge, according to the Saudi government.

At least 11 princes from the Saudi royal family, several government ministers, and a few wealthy businessmen were reportedly detained.

Billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a wealthy investors who has been referred to has the “Arabian Warren Buffett,” was reportedly among those arrested.

The arrests came shortly after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman formed a new anti-corruption committee.

More information on the arrests was not immediately available.

Saudi observers believe the political crackdown is an attempt by the 32-year-old crown prince to remove critics and consolidate power.

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