Two directors of maintenance and cleaning companies are being investigated for embezzling SR12,565,800 from mosques in Madina. The contractors are alleged to have conducted the scam over the course of three years. The director of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Dawah and Guidance in Madina, Dr. Muhammad Al-Khatari denied earlier rumors that the men had actually embezzled SR400 million. He revealed that the total cost of all maintenance and cleaning contracts for all mosques in Madina for three years was SR137,780,000. He said: “SR28,600,000 was allocated for building mosques while SR28,398,000 was allocated for mosque renovation.” Dr. Al-Khatari said investigators have been directed by Sheikh Saleh Bin Abdul Aziz Aal Al-Sheikh to be transparent in all their activities and programs. He said that the ministry will issue a detailed statement once it has completed its investigations. __
