Saudi, 23 expats jailed for human trafficking

JEDDAH: Criminal courts in Makkah and Jeddah sentenced 24 people, including one Saudi, on crimes of human trafficking during the last year. Sentences include 10 years in jail, 1,000 lashes, and fines varying between SR20,000 and SR100,000, as well as deportation upon completion of sentence.
Sources reveal the criminal court in Jeddah reviewed nine cases of expatriates accused of 15 trafficking offenses, while the court in Makkah reviewed 15 cases, including of one Saudi national, noting that the accused were involved in trafficking and assisting 14 household workers escape in exchange for a fee.
“After receiving reports about the presence of female residents conducting illegal activities in both cities, the homes were monitored and they were arrested,” said the source. “Investigations revealed the identities of those employing them for a small fee, and these individuals were arrested and admitted to these criminal acts.”
According to legal adviser Abdul Aziz Al-Naqli, “cases of human trafficking in the Kingdom are not a phenomenon, as usually performed by expatriate workers themselves, as they appear to be trafficked and work in violating activities such as smuggling drugs, theftand taking advantage of child beggars, in exchange for food and a fee.”
Al-Naqli praised the implementation of decisions that prevent the employment of fugitives or violating workers, as well as other regulations and decisions laid down by government authorities that play a major role in preventing the exploration of escaped workers and preserving the stability and security of the country.