Posted on 01/27/2018 5:40:48 AM PST by RoosterRedux
Saudi authorities on Saturday released billionaire Prince al-Waleed bin Talal, people familiar with the matter said, more than two months after he was detained in a widespread crackdown on corruption in the kingdom.
Prince al-Waleed is already at his house in Riyadh and is expected to resume his business activities as normal, two people said.
The 62-year-old prince was one of dozens of royals, senior government officials and businesspeople rounded up in early November, a wave of arrests the Saudi government billed as the first volley in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s campaign against graft but which was also seen by many as a bid to consolidate power.
Saudi authorities demanded at least $6 billion from Prince al-Waleed to free him, people familiar with the matter have said, among the highest figures they sought from those detained in a makeshift prison at the Riyadh Ritz-Carlton.
It wasn’t clear if Prince al-Waleed agreed to any settlement for his release, but he has previously denied wrongdoing and fought allegations of bribery, extortion and money laundering, a person close to him has said.
Representatives of Prince al-Waleed couldn’t be immediately reached for comment. Saudi government officials didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
(Excerpt) Read more at wsj.com ...
That is a dangerous man. I hope the king and the young prince are well protected. It would have been better for the world if he stayed in prison
What do you call $6 billion if not graft?
Never merely wound a king, or a prince...
Whose image is on the cup in the top photo? (at source)
Yep. Piss him off royally, take 6 billion from him, disgrace him publically, and then let him go? Risky move there.
He was given an offer he couldn’t refuse. /s
Depends. If they got the Prince to rat on other terrorist supporting Saudi’s he may be in more danger OUT of prison.
It looks likes bin Talal’s image.
I don’t care what happens to bearded old men in a white dress.
Yes!
I see it.
Thank you.
He finally paid the vig. :-)
Ooh a delightful possibility.
I assume the article is not exactly accurate or truthful. I wonder what the real deal is.
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