RIYADH — The inspection campaigns, carried out by the Anti-Concealment Program, resulted in the arrest of 135 suspected cases of commercial cover-up during the last month of May. The violators were referred to the competent authorities for investigation and the enforcement of appropriate legal penalties.
A total of 3,445 inspection campaigns were held during which the focus was on identifying suspected cases, apprehending individuals involved in concealment activities, and verifying the compliance of commercial establishments.
The inspections covered retail outlets for frozen meat and poultry, wholesale and retail outlets for new spare parts, car accessories and maintenance services, general construction of residential buildings, land freight transport activities, and catering establishments.
Penalties under the Anti-Commercial Concealment Law include imprisonment for up to five years, fines of up to SR5 million, and the seizure and confiscation of illicit proceeds following the issuance of final court judgments against those involved.
Additional penalties prescribed by law include the closure of the establishment, liquidation of the business, cancellation of the commercial registration, prohibition from engaging in commercial activities, recovery of zakat, fees, and taxes, public disclosure of violations, and the deportation of concealed individuals from the Kingdom, accompanied by a permanent ban on their return for employment purposes.
Source: Saudi Gazette