An expatriate is facing a five-year prison sentence for attempting to smuggle 16 gold bars out of Saudi Arabia. The court has also ordered the confiscation of the ill-gotten gains, with deportation following the completion of the jail term, as stated by the Public Prosecution in a release carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

The economic crimes wing of the Public Prosecution concluded its investigations into the money laundering crime, revealing that the expatriate concealed 16 high-quality, 24-carat gold bars weighing around two kilograms. The bars were discovered secretively stashed in a bag the expatriate carried while traveling back to his home country through an international airport.

The Public Prosecution underscores its commitment to preventing the misuse of precious metals in money laundering activities. It asserts that anyone attempting to compromise the Kingdom's economy will face severe penalties and will be brought before the competent court.