A major financial scandal has rocked the Yemeni government after reports confirmed that Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, a member of the Presidential Leadership Council and head of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council, transferred $20 million from a government revenue committee account to a personal bank account in London.

According to Belqees TV, the order to transfer the funds came directly from Al-Zubaidi himself. This move comes amid a deepening financial crisis in Yemen, with the government on the brink of declaring bankruptcy, and amid a suspension of financial support from Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Sources revealed that Saudi Arabia froze its commitments following the dismissal of former Prime Minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak, and the appointment of Salem Bin Buraik without prior consultation with Riyadh or donor countries.

Bin Buraik reportedly stayed in Saudi Arabia for over a month seeking financial aid, but returned empty-handed, accompanied by PLC President Rashad Al-Alimi.