Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, known as Nazaha, has detained 127 government employees on charges linked to corruption following a series of oversight visits across public institutions.

The operation, carried out in late January, forms part of the authority’s ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability within the Kingdom’s civil service and government entities.

The detainees, who have been accused of offences including bribery and abuse of official positions, come from several ministries and government bodies, underscoring the breadth of the campaign.

Nazaha said it conducted more than 1,500 oversight inspections during the month to identify irregularities and potential misuse of authority.

In addition to the detentions, the authority has opened investigations into charges against more than 380 other employees, reflecting an expansive anti-corruption agenda that extends beyond the initial arrests.

Some of those detained were later released on bail as investigations continue.

Those arrested include staff from the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, among others.

The campaign targets a range of misconduct, including alleged bribery, improper influence and misuse of official powers.

Officials emphasised that the integrity drive is designed to uphold good governance and protect public resources, encouraging members of the public and government workers to report any suspected corruption through official channels.

The latest detentions reinforce Saudi Arabia’s continued focus on anti-graft measures in recent years, following previous rounds of high-profile arrests and extensive oversight activity.

Nazaha’s actions have been part of a sustained effort by the Saudi state to promote ethical conduct within the public sector and to deter corrupt practices, in line with broader governance and economic reform objectives.