Okaz/Saudi Gazette TAIF — An official at the Health Affairs Directorate in Taif who was previously accused of embezzling SR2.7 million in public funds is now suspected to have embezzled up to SR10 million. A source said the official worked at the directorate's financial department and he abused his authority to steal money from its accounts. "The official would withdraw money from the bank using checks with forged signatures. Investigations into the case showed that the official had been withdrawing money over a period of 20 months," said the source. He said the directorate had formed a committee to investigate the allegation of SR2.7 million being stolen from its bank account. "Upon investigations, the committee revealed that the official in question might have stolen much more than SR2.7 million. It estimated the amount could be as high as SR10 million. The investigations are ongoing and the committee has expanded to include representatives of Makkah Health Affairs and security agencies," said the source. He also said the official would leave the country after every withdrawal he made. "There are records and accounts gathered in which the official in question would leave the country on days immediately succeeding the date of withdrawals. The official had initially admitted to stealing SR2.7 million but is now being questioned on suspicion of stealing a larger amount," said the source. The source also said the official said the money he stole was taken directly from the directorate's budget. "He claimed that the money he had stolen was from the budget surplus that would not affect the salaries of employees of the directorate. The investigation committee has not submitted any report in the case yet," said the source.
