Believe it or not, a Yemeni expat caught begging by the Anti-Begging Committee in Taif had SR50,000 in his possession.

The beggar, reported to be in his 40s, was arrested from Taif Mall, and the officials found the money tucked away in his underclothes.

According to a media report, the authorities kept track of the beggar’s movements. He was a regular in front of the food court and the corridors next to women’s clothing shops in the mall. He would wear worn-out clothes and beg from shoppers. He used to ask for money and complain about his “perpetual” state of poverty.

Jazza Al-Osaimi, director of the social welfare office in Taif, said the man was arrested by the Anti-Begging Committee comprising officials from the Taif municipality and the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice.

The beggar is an illegal and has been referred to Al-Faisaliyah police department for further action.

Al-Osaimi called on all citizens and residents not to sympathize with beggars and not to be deceived by their lies and tricks.