Saudi Arabia, known for its strict legal system and harsh penalties, has taken a significant step under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership to combat immoral activities. The country operates under Islamic Sharia law, where severe punishments, including death sentences, public executions, and beheadings, are enforced for crimes such as murder, drug trafficking, terrorism, and treason. In a rare acknowledgment, the Saudi government has now publicly recognized the existence of prostitution and human trafficking within its borders, prompting immediate action.

Special Police Unit Formed to Tackle Immoral Activities

To address these concerns, a dedicated police unit has been established under the Interior Ministry. This unit is tasked with monitoring, investigating, and apprehending individuals involved in prostitution, human smuggling, and organized begging. So far, more than 50 people have been arrested, including both locals and foreigners. The authorities have specifically targeted massage parlors and illegal operations suspected of harboring illicit activities.

First-Ever Public Acknowledgment of Prostitution Cases

According to a Financial Times report, this special unit recently arrested 11 women on charges of prostitution, marking the first time the Saudi government has publicly admitted the presence of such activities. Additionally, multiple foreign nationals have been detained for engaging in or facilitating immoral practices. Authorities are also investigating cases of forced begging, particularly involving women and children.

Why Was This Unit Created?

Previously, Saudi Arabia maintained a religious police force known as the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, which enforced moral and social conduct. However, in 2016, the government restricted its powers as part of Crown Prince MBS’s social and economic reforms, which aimed to ease strict religious and social regulations.

While the exact reason for forming this new morality-focused police unit remains unclear, Saudi journalist Khalid Al-Suleiman, writing for Okaz Daily, suggests that the move is a response to the increasing spread of illicit advertisements on social media, which have been tarnishing the country’s image. With growing public pressure, the government has taken decisive action to preserve social integrity.

Mixed Public Reactions

Public opinion on this initiative is divided. Some citizens welcome the crackdown, believing it will help curb human trafficking, illegal activities, and drug-related crimes, thereby reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s moral and cultural values. Others, however, view the move as an attempt to reassert social control, raising concerns about whether the government is shifting back toward stricter religious enforcement.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has implemented progressive reforms, such as allowing women to drive and expanding the entertainment industry, signaling a shift toward modernization. However, the establishment of this special unit has sparked debate on whether the kingdom is taking a step forward or backward in its approach to social governance.