Saudi graft settlements may top US$100b

Dubai

SAUDI ARABIA is winding down a controversial anti-corruption drive that led to dozens of princes and billionaires being detained at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh.

Talks with suspects are expected to end this month and authorities will likely recover more than US$100 billion in settlements, a senior government official said, asking not to be identified because the details are private. Those who don't reach deals will be referred to prosecutors, the official said.

Authorities have already agreed to drop charges against about 90 suspects, who were released, Attorney-General Sheikh Saud A…