JEDDAH: Security authorities are prosecuting employees of various government departments and agencies who have exploited their administrative and functional positions to obtain and leak confidential information and documents related to internal administrative affairs.

Cases of leaked documents pertaining to state affairs numbered 69,128 were reported in 13 different cities during 2015-2016, while 81,857 rights cases, including cases involving leaking of documents pertaining to employees or administrative affairs, were reported during the same period.

Sources reveal authorities have identified a number of agencies where employees have taken advantage of their positions to leak secrets related to their employment or administrative affairs that cannot be disclosed outside their sector. Such practices, described as “administrative terrorism,” are often used by staff as a form of revenge against managers or directors in their respective departments. Legal researcher and lawyer, Abdullah Al-Abaylan, said such practices are punishable under law, even if such confidential information is disclosed by the employee after completion of their service.

A jail term of 20 years, a fine of SR 1 million, or both applies if information is disclosed via any means; if documentation is stored and maintained in improper locations; or if such documents are printed or copied outside government agencies. The same penalty applies to those who enter, or permit entry, to any site or location without proper authorization to enter in order to obtain confidential information or documents, as well as against those who misuse confidential information related to state agencies and security for the sake of causing harm and instability.

A former member of the security committee at the Shoura Council, Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Zahrani, said the exploitation of confidential information by employees of government officials is a crime classified as treason, noting that the Ministry of Interior determines penalties based on offense and the regulations.