RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday that people it arrested on suspicion of spying this month had direct links to the intelligence services of Iran, its main rival for influence in the Gulf.
A Saudi Interior Ministry spokesman told official media that preliminary investigations – based on physical evidence and statements by the suspects – had found that members of the group had received payment for information.
Riyadh announced a week ago it had arrested 16 Saudis, an Iranian and a Lebanese on spying grounds. The spokesman said the investigation was ongoing.
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Saudi Arabia arrests 18 including an Iranian in spying investigation