JEDDAH — A total of 87 Saudi businessmen will face trial after being accused of embezzlement and commercial fraud, Al-Madina newspaper reported. A source in the Commerce Ministry said the businessmen were accused of selling counterfeit products and running fake Ramadan sales. “The businessmen were arrested in different parts of the Kingdom and produced in court over the past few weeks. Their crimes vary from selling counterfeit products, manipulating prices and product quality and forging official documents,” said the source. He said if convicted the businessmen would face up to five years in jail and monetary fines. “The men were exploiting the Ramadan season, summer tourists and the pilgrims to cheat foreign visitors who are unaware of the rules and regulations of the Saudi market and its quality,” said the source. He added their trials would take place in the coming weeks but some cases had already been decided. “A Saudi businessman was convicted of selling counterfeit products and sentenced to six months in jail. He was also fined SR1,000,000. The commercial fraud commission had found 310,000 counterfeit, expired and potentially harmful cosmetic products. The businessman had relabeled the products with a new expiration date,” said the source. “Saudi society is ashamed to have such money-hungry representatives conveying a negative impression on the hospitality of its people. The ministry treats fraud and forgery as serious crimes and the penalty set may be very costly,” said the source. He also said citizens and consumers play an important role in maintaining fairness and integrity in the market. “Citizens are encouraged to report any fraud or embezzlement they faced from companies and business establishments,” said the source.
