Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has established a special police unit to monitor and apprehend individuals involved in what the government describes as “immoral activities.”

The newly formed unit, operating under the Ministry of Interior, has already arrested more than 50 people on charges of prostitution and begging, according to official sources.

This development comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is easing strict social regulations as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. However, authorities have emphasized the need to curb activities that undermine community security and contribute to human trafficking.

A Renewed Approach to Social Control

The establishment of this unit signals a shift in how the Saudi government addresses moral concerns. Previously, the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, often referred to as the religious police, was responsible for enforcing strict moral codes.

However, in 2016, the Saudi government significantly curtailed its powers, reducing its ability to detain individuals and intervene in daily life.

The creation of the Community Security Unit has drawn comparisons to the disbanded religious police, although the government has framed it as a targeted effort against human trafficking and illegal activities rather than a broader enforcement of social conservatism.

Arrests and Crackdown on Prostitution

The Financial Times reported that among those arrested, 11 women were charged with prostitution. This marks the first time in over a decade that Saudi authorities have publicly acknowledged the presence of prostitution within the kingdom.

Additionally, several foreigners have been detained for engaging in illegal activities in massage parlors and for allegedly forcing women and children to beg.

The government has linked the emergence of this new unit to increasing concerns over online advertisements promoting illicit services.

According to Saudi columnist Khalid Al-Suleiman, writing for the semi-governmental Okaz Daily, authorities were compelled to act due to the growing visibility of such activities on social media, which many believe tarnish the country’s reputation.

Public Reaction and Social Media Response

The move has generated mixed reactions from the public. Many Saudi citizens and social media users have expressed support, praising the initiative for its focus on combating human trafficking, drug abuse, and illegal sex work.

Some view it as a necessary measure to uphold the moral fabric of society while ensuring security. However, critics argue that the return of such monitoring mechanisms raises concerns about personal freedoms.

While Saudi Arabia has been relaxing certain social restrictions—such as allowing women to drive and reopening cinemas—some worry that this new unit signals a reassertion of state control over personal behavior.

A Balancing Act for Saudi Authorities

The establishment of the Community Security Unit reflects the delicate balance the Saudi leadership is trying to maintain between modernization and tradition.

While Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has positioned himself as a reformist leader seeking to diversify the economy and open the kingdom to global investment, he continues to face pressure from conservative factions demanding stricter moral oversight.

As the new unit expands its operations, its effectiveness and impact on Saudi society will be closely monitored. Whether this initiative strengthens security or leads to renewed debates over civil liberties remains to be seen.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members