The Riyadh bureau of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (Haia) has detained an Arab expatriate on charges of blackmailing a foreigner by using her photos, and also offering bribe to a Haia member to drop his case. According to Haia, the expat was arrested as he threatened to release her pictures if she did not compensate him.

“He also tried to offer SR10,000 as bribe to a Haia member in exchange for withdrawing the charge against him,” said a Haia source. He was found staying illegally in the Kingdom with forged residence and work permits.

Haia said the man was handed over to authorities in Riyadh for further investigation.

The incident happened a few days ago in the wake of Haia’s anti-blackmail campaign (Shomoukh) to raise awareness of the dangers of blackmail. Haia also released publicity material, in video and audio formats, as well as photographs to back up its drive.

It has dedicated 10 telephone lines to receive complaints of extortion by a specialized unit for combating extortion crimes through number (0114908666) that works seven days a week on morning and afternoon shifts.

Meanwhile, Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar said extortion is a grave crime perpetrated by some elements, who have no fear of God. He said Islam directs us not to stoop so low. It always urges us to maintain the five principles: religion, soul, dignity, mind and money.

[wpResize]