JEDDAH: The Interior Ministry warned Monday it would close any bank account opened to collect donations if it does not have prior official permission.
It also urged the public to verify the legitimacy of organizations before giving them donations.
Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki, spokesman for the ministry, said the new warning was issued after the ministry noticed a spate of SMS and online adverts appealing for donations. The warning is part of the Kingdom's efforts to combat terrorism.
"All offending bank accounts will fall under the automatic precautionary seizure regime and action will be taken against those responsible in accordance with the law," Al-Turki said.
He urged the public to inform the ministry about such unauthorized bank accounts by calling 8001222224.
Saudi Arabia has enforced a number of regulations on donations and charities in order to prevent funds ending up in the hands of terrorists. According to a new draft law being discussed by the Shoura Council, charitable organizations will be allowed to spend their donations only for the purpose they were collected.
Once a charitable society has completed its appeal, it should present a report prepared by a licensed chartered accountant to relevant authorities, explaining how the funds were spent.
The bill would allow supervising authorities to cancel the license of a charitable society if it violates regulations and conditions.
Such societies should present an annual report to authorities detailing their income and expenditure. Only Saudis are allowed to collect donations.
The draft law would also allow charitable societies to open an account with a Saudi commercial bank. The account should not be in the name of an individual.
A charity will be asked to give the names of at least two persons authorized to distribute money. They will have to obtain official permission to publicize any appeal through the media.
By MUHAMMAD HUMAIDAN
© Arab News 2010
