Saudi- Violations of Taif chamber being probed

(MENAFN- Arab News) A special committee constituted by the Ministry of Commerce launched its investigation into violations by the Taif Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) of the regulations of the Council of Saudi Chambers. The violations include the illegal authentication and ratification of about 2300 documents as well as issues related to the upcoming elections.The committee's investigation came 48 hours after news reports that the TCCI authenticated 2378 identification documents of non-members and received over SR59000 in return.A ministry source said the appointment of the investigation committee was ordered by Minister of Commerce and Industry Tawfiq Al-Rabiah personally adding that the committee consists of three employees of the ministry. Another source familiar with the case said that the investigation included two top officials at the chamber and that the findings will be released soon after the minister has been briefed.The authentication and processing of identification documents for non-members of the chamber is in clear violation of Article X of the Council of Saudi Chambers regulations which state that 'no chamber is permitted to amend or ratify certificates and documents required by a dealer or manufacturer unless the individual is registered with the chamber and has paid official contributions.'In response the chamber defended its actions as Secretary-General Salah Al-Haddad indicated that the lenient approach toward authenticating and ratifying documents for non-members was due to special conditions during the prior employment correction during which applicants present themselves in person and their signatures are matched on the spot to facilitate proceedings.