BICOM
7th May 2021
The Financial Times report that Qatarâs finance minister, Ali Shareef al-Emadi, was arrested on corruption charges. Al-Emadi was appointed finance minister in 2013 when the current Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani came to power. He sits on the board of the countryâs sovereign wealth fund and is the chairman of the Qatar National Bank. British financial magazine
The Banker named al-Emadi its âFinance Minister of the Yearâ for the Middle East. Al-Emadi was questioned over allegations of abuse of power and misuse of public funds. Experts are calling this an unprecedented move by the gas-rich Gulf state.
Qatar arrests finance minister over alleged corruption
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DOHA, May 7, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Qatar’s finance minister Ali Shareef al-Emadi has been arrested over alleged abuse of power and misuse of public funds, state media said on Thursday.
The official Qatar News Agency later reported that the country’s ruler, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, had issued a decree “relieving” Emadi of his post.
Sheikh Tamim also asked Trade and Industry Minister Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari to “carry out the duties of minister of finance”, it added on its Twitter page.
While there have been previous high-level arrests in corruption cases in Qatar, official sources said Emadi is the highest-profile figure to face such allegations under Sheikh Tamim.
Qatar’s attorney general has ordered the arrest of Finance Minister Ali Shareef al-Emadi as part of an investigation into alleged misuse of public funds and abuse of power, according to state media.
Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported on Thursday that the decision had been taken after the review of documents and reports regarding crimes related to the public sector.
An “expanded” investigation was under way, it added.
“The attorney general has ordered the arrest of Minister of Finance Ali Sharif Al Emadi, and his questioning about matters raised in the reports regarding crimes pertaining to public office, such as damage to public funds, exploiting one’s post, and abuse of power,” QNA said.
In this Sept. 14, 2020, file photo, Qatar s Finance Minister Ali Shareef al-Emadi listens during the third annual US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue at the State Dept. in Washington. AP
Qatar s finance minister Ali Shareef al-Emadi has been arrested over alleged abuse of power and misuse of public funds, state media said on Thursday.
While there have been previous high-level arrests in corruption cases in Qatar, official sources said Emadi is the highest-profile figure to face such allegations under the current rule of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
“The attorney general ordered the arrest of Minister of Finance Ali Shareef al-Emadi [to] question him on what was mentioned in reports regarding crimes related to civil service that involved damage to public money, abuse of function, and abuse of power,” state media said.