The police said the 52-year-old Egyptian accountant was arrested on suspicion of embezzling SR10.9 million from a private company in Al-Kandarah district. The 57-year-old Egyptian the police are still seeking is believed to have been an accomplice. No further details were provided.

The 42-year-old Indian cashier in detention is suspected of embezzling SR55,000 from a south Jeddah company, which was not named.

Lawyer Muhammad bin Manna Al-Munis told Arab News that a distinction between theft and embezzlement are important under Shariah. Theft crimes can be punished by amputation of a hand while embezzlement is considered "discretionary."