RIYADH: An Arab national, arrested in Saudi Arabia for begging, has turned out to be a millionaire having a fortune of over USD 300,000.
Security authorities seized cash and other valuables worth 1.2 million Saudi Riyals from the family of the man. He also managed to obtain an investor license from a Gulf country.
Begging is banned in Saudi Arabia.
Fahd Al-Ghanam, spokesman of Madinah police, said the man was nabbed after he was found begging in dubious circumstances.
The man was assisted by his wife and three children. All of them were staying in the Kingdom illegally. The discovered the money from his custody, Ghanam was quoted as saying by Saudi Gazette.
He was living in a luxurious furnished apartment and used to travel in between various cities and regions in a car owned by him. Authorities have started comprehensive investigation into the man's illegal activities.