Riyadh — Saudi authorities have arrested 13 Pakistani nationals accused of stealing goats from farms across several regions, an unusual case that has drawn widespread attention and stirred debate about migrant labor oversight in the Kingdom.
Officials said the arrests followed weeks of complaints from livestock owners who reported unexplained losses of goats, many of them taken during late-night hours from small and mid-sized farms. According to Saudi police, the suspects allegedly operated as an organized network, transporting the animals to unidentified locations for illegal sale.
Surveillance teams were deployed after farmers voiced alarm over the repeated thefts that had begun to affect their livelihoods. Investigators said they monitored targeted areas extensively before identifying the individuals believed to be responsible. All thirteen suspects are now in custody as authorities expand the investigation to determine whether additional members or accomplices were involved.
Police reported that several stolen goats were recovered during the operation and have since been returned to their owners. The arrests have brought notable relief to livestock farmers, some of whom rely heavily on small-scale herding to sustain their families.
The case has also reignited conversation about the vulnerabilities within the livestock sector, where security safeguards are often minimal. Local media noted that while thefts of this nature are not unheard of, the scale and coordination alleged in this instance have prompted renewed scrutiny of rural policing strategies.
Saudi authorities emphasized that they remain committed to protecting private property and will pursue strict legal measures against those found responsible for disrupting public order. Officials also urged farm owners to bolster security and to quickly report suspicious activity.
The incident has sparked lively discussion across social media platforms, where users expressed surprise at the nature of the crime and called for stronger regulatory measures to deter livestock theft in the region. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
