Authorities in Saudi Arabia made a flurry of arrests Sunday targeting ministers, investors, and even members of the royal family in what the government called a crackdown on corruption. The arrests were ordered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in what was seen to be a show of force to consolidate his power.
Among those detained without formal charges or any legal process were billionaire Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the kingdom's most prominent businessmen. Prince Alwaleed, a nephew of the king, owns the investment firm Kingdom Holding 4280.SE. Ten other princes, four ministers, and dozens of former ministers also were arrested, as was the head of the National Guard, Prince Miteb bin Abdullah.
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