A ministerial committee has canceled a land deal worth SR600 million because of alleged irregularities.

A committee comprising members of the Ministries of Interior, Municipal and Rural Affairs and Justice had investigated the sale of the 22-million-square-meter piece of land.

The matter has now been referred to the Justice Ministry for action to be taken against the businessman who bought the land at a reduced price, and members of the land evaluation committee that had valued it in Al-Ghawlaa’, north of Jeddah.

The ministerial committee, Bureau of Control and Investigation, and Makkah province had launched an investigation after a complaint was filed by some citizens living in the area. They had accused the businessman of illegally taking possession of land they had inherited from their forefathers.

The committee discovered that the deed was incorrect and referred it to the Justice Ministry. The deed was issued by a Jeddah notary, but was combined with another one issued by an Al-Jamoum court.

There were also apparently flood paths on the land, which made it a danger for future residents.

The committee had stated that it was surprised by the low valuation by the land evaluation committee in Jeddah, which set the price at SR22 million. It was later discovered that the price of the land rose to SR600 million.

The committee stated that it would ensure action would be taken against those found guilty of corruption. Several citizens of the village thanked the officials who responded to their complaints.