Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images(RIYADH) — Dozens of top officials in Saudi Arabia were arrested on Saturday as part of an anti-corruption purge, according to the Saudi government.
At least 11 princes from the Saudi royal family, several government ministers, and a few wealthy businessmen were reportedly detained.
Billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a wealthy investors who has been referred to has the “Arabian Warren Buffett,” was reportedly among those arrested.
The arrests came shortly after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman formed a new anti-corruption committee.
More information on the arrests was not immediately available.
Saudi observers believe the political crackdown is an attempt by the 32-year-old crown prince to remove critics and consolidate power.
Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.