Financial disclosure law breaches send over 70 to public prosecution

• The law’s executive regulations define financial disclosure requirements, with examination committees overseeing reviews. Officials must file within six months of the law or 60 days of appointment, update every three years, and submit a final declaration within 90 days of leaving office.

The Public Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) announced that it has referred more than 70 individuals to the Public Prosecution for failing to submit their financial disclosure statements within the legally mandated deadlines. This step comes as part of Nazaha’s periodic follow-up of cases covered by the financial disclosure provisions under Law No. 2 of 2016, as amended by Decree-Law No. 69 of 2025, reported Al Jarida newspaper.

In its statement, Nazaha stressed the importance of adhering to the deadlines established by law to avoid legal accountability and penalties. It reminded all officials and employees subject to the law that compliance with financial disclosure requirements is a legal obligation aimed at ensuring transparency and preventing illicit gain.

According to Chapter Four of the law, the executive regulations govern the form, content, and review of financial disclosures. Examination committees are established in line with job levels and may include members of the judiciary and Public Prosecution, with the approval of the Supreme Judicial Council. These committees are tasked with scrutinizing the disclosures and taking further action if suspicions of illicit gain arise.

The regulations also outline deadlines for filing. The first declaration must be submitted within six months by those already in service when the regulations took effect, or within 60 days for newly appointed officials. Updates must be filed every three years within 60 days of the term’s anniversary, while a final declaration must be submitted within 90 days of leaving office.

Declarations are received according to specific procedures set by the executive regulations. In the case of the Chairman and members of Nazaha’s Board of Trustees, their disclosures are submitted to the Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council, who appoints a committee of judges to review them and, if necessary, refer them to the Public Prosecution.