Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH —The Anti-Commercial Cover-Up Department carried out 2,077 inspection visits across the Kingdom during the month of April as part of its drive to crack down on suspected cover-up businesses. During the inspection visits, 71 suspected cases of cover-up were detected, and violators were referred to the competent authorities to complete the investigation procedures and the application of deterrent penalties.

The visits aimed at verifying establishments' compliance and detect crimes and violations of the Anti-Commercial Cover-Up Law. The inspection tours covered several activities, most notably retail sales of fruit and vegetable shops, men's salons, building renovations, retail sales of luxury goods and clothing accessories, catering, and restaurants.

Under the Anti-Commercial Cover-Up Law, the penalties include maximum imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to SR5 million, and the seizure and confiscation of illicit funds after final court rulings are issued against those involved.

These penalties also include the following: closure of the establishment, liquidation of its activity, cancellation of the commercial register, prohibition from engaging in commercial activity, and collection of zakat, fees and taxes, defamation, and deportation from the Kingdom and not allowing them to return to Saudi Arabia for work.