Houthi Corruption Scandal Unveiled: $900,000 Embezzled by "Judicial Custodian" Officials

Informed sources have uncovered a significant corruption scandal involving Houthi militia members. Two individuals appointed under the so-called “Judicial Custodian” framework have been implicated in widespread embezzlement over five years.

The scandal involves the misappropriation of approximately 450 million Yemeni Riyals (equivalent to $900,000). The stolen funds were reportedly used to purchase luxury properties and vehicles.

One of the accused, a member of the Al-Shami family, previously served as a soldier in the “Preventive Security” force before being rewarded with a position in the “Judicial Custodian” as part of privileges granted to members of Houthi-affiliated families. Despite being detained for two months and having a vehicle worth one million Riyals confiscated, he was released—a move seen as an attempt to mislead public opinion. During his tenure, Al-Shami reportedly built several luxury buildings in Sana’a, valued in the millions.

The second individual, formerly a soldier in Al-Hudaydah, was appointed to the General Authority for Endowments by a Houthi supervisor known as “Abu Zaid” after sustaining injuries in battle. His amassed wealth, including land purchases and luxury vehicles, has raised suspicions among his neighbors regarding his sources of income.

Notably, the Houthi militia established the “Judicial Custodian” in March 2018. Its leadership operates under the direct orders of Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi, the group’s leader. Since its inception, this body has seized control of more than 38 major companies and properties in multiple provinces, amassing an estimated $3.7 billion in assets from opponents.

This practice reflects a broader strategy used by the Houthis to settle political scores amid the ongoing armed conflict in Yemen, positioning the “Judicial Custodian” as a replica of similar systems in other countries.