A new draft bill has called for doubling up punishment for embezzlement and misuse of public funds.

Under the new bill, government employees may be fined SR1 million and sentenced to 10 years in prison for embezzling or illegally dispensing state-owned money.

Under current provisions, embezzlers and government employees found guilty of corruption are liable to pay a SR500,000 fine and spend five years behind bars.

The Shoura Council is set to discuss the proposed draft, which includes introducing accountability for questionable assets and wealth acquired by government employees.

The Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution (BIPP) can request the criminal court to bar employees with corruption allegations against them from traveling pending the completion of investigations.

The BIPP can also stop suspected embezzlers from dispensing questionable money for up to 20 days, but must request a court order for prolonged suspension periods.

The General Auditing Bureau, meanwhile, will work with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha) to implement the regulation within 120 days of its publication.

A provision within the current regulations, which urges transparency and reiterates the sacredness of public funds, stipulates that government employees who fail to report or cover up embezzlement incidents are also liable to one year in prison and a SR100,000 fine.

Accomplices who report the crime will, however, be spared punitive action.

In addition, employees will be obliged to give back the money they stole.

The new bill also confirms that criminal cases against embezzlers would continue even in the event of death. Heirs, next-of-kins and beneficiaries will be obliged to pay back the money.