{
  "id": 10697885,
  "title": "Saudi Commerce Ministry busts unauthorized e-commerce training operation in Riyadh",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/saudi-commerce-ministry-busts-unauthorized-e-commerce-training",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T12:30:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Saudi Gazette",
    "slug": "saudi-gazette",
    "url": "https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664962/saudi-arabia/saudi-commerce-ministry-busts-unauthorized-e-commerce-training-operation-in-riyadh"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Riyadh, the Saudi Ministry of Commerce uncovered an unauthorized e-commerce training operation run by a foreign investor and two residents, violating regulations. The illicit facility in Riyadh's Al-Batha district was providing instruction on establishing and managing online stores without the necessary licenses. These individuals were charging each violator SR300, despite promising an international e-commerce certificate upon completion.\n\nUpon detection, the Ministry of Commerce joined forces with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Riyadh Region Police for a joint operation. The authorities discovered that the facility was enrolling foreign workers who had abandoned their sponsors, using the training as a means to start their own e-commerce businesses. The workers were apprehended and subjected to appropriate legal actions, while the two residents were handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation.\n\nThe foreign investor, responsible for operating the unauthorized facility, was referred to the Ministry of Investment. He was tasked with completing the legal procedures and facing the penalties stipulated by law.",
  "summary": "RIYADH — The Saudi Ministry of Commerce detected foreign workers who had left their sponsors without authorization and were establishing and operating online stores for their own benefit after receiving training at an unauthorized facility in Riyadh. The facility was operated by a foreign investor and two residents in violation of regulations. Based on the ministry’s findings, a joint campaign…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Saudi Health Ministry highlights four essential heart health checks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/saudi-health-ministry-highlights-four-essential-heart-health-checks",
        "published": "2026-09-29T13:03:46.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}