Saudi Arabian police have detained four foreign nationals from Bangladesh and India in the capital, Riyadh, on suspicion of begging, as authorities continue their campaign to curb the practice in public places.
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 detainees are citizens of Bangladesh and India. However, officials did not disclose how many individuals were from each country. Their identities, ages and the precise locations of their arrests were also not made public.
Saudi authorities confirmed that legal proceedings had been initiated against the individuals in accordance with the kingdom’s applicable laws and regulations.
The arrests form part of an ongoing initiative by the Saudi Ministry of Interior to tackle begging in areas where large numbers of people gather. The campaign is intended to discourage the practice while ensuring that charitable donations reach people who genuinely require financial assistance.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Security authorities have urged residents and visitors to make donations exclusively through official and authorised channels.
Officials said contributions made through recognised institutions would help ensure that assistance reaches its intended recipients. The authorities have also stressed the importance of preventing the misuse of charitable donations and maintaining an organised approach to supporting vulnerable individuals.
The latest operation reflects the ministry’s continuing efforts to regulate begging in public spaces. Security personnel have been carrying out enforcement activities as part of the wider campaign, which seeks to limit the spread of the practice and promote the use of established charitable assistance systems.
The authorities’ appeal places particular emphasis on the distinction between helping people in need and giving money through unregulated channels. While charitable contributions remain an important means of supporting vulnerable communities, officials are encouraging donors to use approved organisations so that assistance can be distributed through recognised procedures.
The report did not specify whether the four detainees had been formally charged or provide details of any penalties they might face. It confirmed only that the relevant legal procedures had begun.
Foreign National Detained Over 70kg Drug Transportation Allegation
In a separate incident, 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 individual was detained in connection with the suspected transportation of the drugs, and the necessary legal procedures were initiated.
Following the preliminary proceedings, the suspect was handed over to the relevant authorities for further action in accordance with Saudi law.
Officials did not disclose the nationality or identity of the detained individual. The precise type of narcotics recovered, the location of the operation and the circumstances surrounding the vehicle’s interception were also not detailed in the report.
The Asir incident was separate from the begging-related arrests in Riyadh, involving different allegations and law enforcement procedures.
Both developments were reported amid continuing security operations by Saudi authorities aimed at enforcing domestic regulations and addressing unlawful activities.
While the Riyadh operation focused on suspected begging involving Bangladeshi and Indian nationals, the Asir case concerned the alleged transportation of a large quantity of concealed narcotics.
In both cases, the authorities confirmed that legal action had been initiated. No further information was provided regarding the progress of the investigations or the eventual outcomes of the proceedings.
