What’s Next for Saudi Arabia’s Elite After Leaving the Ritz

Even before Prince Alwaleed bin Talal and other billionaires were released after almost three months in detention, Saudi officials had already pronounced their controversial anti-corruption crackdown a resounding success. Authorities were on track to recover more than $100 billion in settlement deals in exchange for dropping all charges against dozens of the country’s rich and famous, a senior official said last week. Yet as detainees leave their luxury prison at the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, questions linger. Was this a crackdown, a power grab, or a shakedown to help an economy strained by low oil prices? Is it the end of anti-corruption efforts in the largest Arab economy?

There are no more detainees currently held at the Ritz, a senior government official said on Tuesday. Attorney General Sheikh Saud Al Mojeb said in a rare Jan. 21 interview that about 90 people were released after agreeing to pay back ill-gotten money, while those who won’t reach agreements will be referred to the public prosecutor.