The Implementation of Deferred Prosecution Agreements Within the Saudi Legal System for Corporate Crime Resolution

Abstract

This study examines the possibility of effectively adopting a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) as an alternative to traditional corporate criminal prosecution within the Saudi legal system. The aim of proposing the implementation of the DPA in Saudi Arabia is to leverage its advantages for corporations, governments, and society in addressing complex corporate crimes. Additionally, the proposed law would contribute to the evolution of the Saudi legal framework, particularly concerning corporate activities, aligning with the country’s vision for economic development. While the United States has utilized the DPA for decades, the United Kingdom has recently implemented it to facilitate the investigation of complex corporate cases. The DPA application also extended to other countries, such as France and Canada. However, this study primarily focuses on the United States and United Kingdom DPA models to take advantage of their experience in the analysis, as they widely recognize and utilize the law. Thus, after evaluating the necessity, effectiveness, and compatibility of the DPA within the Saudi legal system, the study provides recommendations for the Saudi DPA model.