An official source at the NACA said the authority had received information from a citizen that a deed had been forged at the notary public office in Tabuk city. "The authority asked the justice minister to investigate the matter, and he replied that the deed was forged by a notary in Tabuk who was assisted by some employees in the city's municipality," he said.

The official said all the accused had been arrested and handed over to the CIB for further questioning prior to their trial.

He recalled that this was the third case of corruption to be uncovered by the newly established authority.

According to the official, the first case of corruption to be discovered by the authority was a theft from the warehouses of the health affairs department of one of the regions. He pointed out that a large quantity of vaccines, drugs and medical equipment had been stolen and sold to some private hospitals and health centers.

The official said the second case involved a former employee of the Ministry of Agriculture who exploited his position to make illegal financial gains. He did not name the employee, but added that he had been handed over to the CIB pending trial.

He explained that the employee, who was working at the land classification department, had thorough knowledge of all the lands and plots along the public roads. "He agreed with a number of people to assign him a representative to sell the lands and divide the proceeds with them," he added.

The official reiterated that the NACA was determined to uncover all forms of financial and administrative corruption and asked the citizens to cooperate with the authority in this regard.