The $6 billion price of freedom and a guest who wouldn't readily play ball

62-year-old Prince Alwaleed bin Talal

Royal may have to break up part of his $9bn conglomerate to pay for his release
Many of the very important personalities that included princes, ministers and tycoons who were seized by the government of Saudi Arabia on the orders of Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman are still being held.  They are all cooling their feet in the luxury prison also known as Ritz-Carlton.  It was the biggest crackdown on the desert kingdom's reportedly corrupt elite in its recent history.

Saudi's richest man Prince Alwaleed bin Talal who is worth over $18 billion was affected in the crackdown.

Those who were released were only able to secure their freedom after paying large sums of money. 

According to a report by Wall Street Journal, Saudi authorities want Prince al-Waleed bin Talal to cough up at least $6 billion in order to secure his own freedom.  

However, the prince is reportedly contesting the government’s demand in a bid to save his financial empire. He also fears handing over the money would be seen as an admission of guilt, according to the report.  He has large stakes in several Western businesses, including Twitter. 

The prince is reportedly negotiating to surrender a large piece of his conglomerate, Kingdom Holding Co., in lieu of the money.  The Saudi government accuses Prince al-Waleed of money laundering, bribery, and extortion, though few details have been released on the charges. His arrest came as part of a major shakeup of Saudi society by 32-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.