Saudi Arabian police have detained four foreign nationals from Bangladesh and India in the capital, Riyadh, over allegations of begging in public places, as authorities continue efforts to regulate such activities across the kingdom.
The arrests were reported on Tuesday, 20 October, by Saudi news outlet Ajel, citing information released by the country’s security authorities.
According to the report, the four individuals are citizens of Bangladesh and India. However, officials did not specify how many detainees belonged to each nationality or disclose their identities.
Saudi authorities confirmed that legal proceedings had been initiated against the suspects in accordance with the country’s applicable laws and regulations. Details concerning the precise locations of the arrests and the circumstances surrounding the alleged offences were not provided.
The operation forms part of an ongoing initiative by the Saudi Ministry of Interior to curb begging, particularly in areas where large numbers of people gather.
Officials have emphasised that the campaign is intended not only to discourage begging but also to ensure that charitable contributions reach individuals who genuinely require financial assistance.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Security authorities have urged residents and visitors wishing to make charitable donations to use official and authorised channels rather than distributing money through informal means.
According to the authorities, donations made through recognised institutions can be directed towards those in genuine need while helping prevent the misuse of charitable contributions.
The appeal reflects the government’s broader approach to regulating charitable giving alongside its enforcement activities against begging in public spaces.
Security personnel have been conducting operations as part of the Ministry of Interior’s continuing efforts to address the issue. The authorities maintain that these measures are designed to limit the spread of begging and strengthen the effectiveness of organised charitable assistance.
The latest arrests in Riyadh highlight the importance Saudi officials place on compliance with local regulations, including those governing public conduct and charitable activities.
Although the four individuals have been detained and legal procedures are under way, the report did not indicate whether formal charges had been filed or when further proceedings might take place.
Foreign National Arrested in Separate Drug Transportation Case
In a separate development, Saudi security authorities detained another foreign national in the kingdom’s Asir region on suspicion of transporting a substantial quantity of illegal drugs.
According to the authorities, officers from the Special Road Security Forces intercepted a vehicle allegedly carrying 70 kilograms of narcotics concealed inside it.
The suspect was taken into custody following the discovery, and the authorities initiated the necessary legal procedures.
Officials subsequently transferred the individual to the relevant authorities for further action under Saudi law.
The report did not disclose the suspect’s nationality, the precise type of narcotics recovered or the location within the Asir region where the interception occurred.
The seizure represents a separate law enforcement operation from the arrests in Riyadh, with the two incidents involving different allegations and security procedures.
Saudi authorities have continued to emphasise enforcement of the country’s regulations concerning both public begging and illegal drug transportation.
While the Riyadh operation focused on allegations of begging involving Bangladeshi and Indian nationals, the Asir case concerned the suspected transportation of concealed narcotics.
Both cases have entered the relevant legal processes, although no further information about their outcomes was available in the original report.
The incidents underline the Saudi security authorities’ continuing efforts to enforce domestic laws, regulate activities in public spaces and prevent the transportation of illegal substances across the kingdom.
