RIYADH: Most Saudi elites detained in a sweeping anti-corruption purge last month have agreed to a financial settlement in exchange for their freedom, the attorney general said yesterday. Dozens of high-profile figures including princes, ministers and business tycoons were arrested or sacked earlier last month, in the biggest purge of the kingdom’s elite in its recent history.

“Most detainees faced with corruption allegations by the (anti-corruption) committee agreed to a settlement,” Sheikh Saud Al-Mojeb said in a statement. He added a total of 320 people had been subpoenaed to provide information about alleged graft while 159 remain in detention and “a number” of them have been referred for judicial action. A “settlement” translates as handing over allegedly ill-gotten gains to the state treasury.