RIYADH: Dozens of Saudi detainees caught up in a government anti-graft crackdown could be referred to courts specialised in cases of national security and terrorism, Asharq al-Awsat newspaper reported Sunday.

They include individuals who refused to agree to confidential settlements with the government, and others believed to be guilty of “a greater offence”, the pan-Arab daily quoted Saudi Arabia’s deputy attorney-general Saud al-Hamad as saying.

In November, 381 Saudi royals, ministers and tycoons were detained in an anti-corruption crackdown led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb said in January that the majority had been released after agreeing to financial settlements totalling over 400 billion riyals ($107 bn) in various forms of assets and cash.

To date, 56 people are known to remain in custody, their whereabouts unknown since the initial holding place—the Riyadh Ritz-Carlton—was re-opened on February 11.

Saudi Arabia’s prosecutor general has launched fresh investigations and judicial proceedings against those detainees, Asharq al-Awsat said, quoting the deputy attorney-general.

“Depending on the result, the investigation will be referred to the relevant court,” Hamad said.