Senior Saudi Arabian Prince Miteb bin Abdullah , once seen as a leading contender to the throne , has been freed after agreeing to pay over $1 billion to settle corruption allegation against him , a Saudi official said on Wednesday. Prince Miteb , 65 , son of the late King Abdullah and former head of the National Guard , was among dozens of royal family members, officials and businessmen rounded up this month in a crackdown on graft. The official , who is involved in the crackdown , said Prince Miteb was released on Tues day after reaching " an acceptable settlement agreement " .The official said he believed the agreed sum to be the equivalent of over $1 billion . " It is understood that the settlement included admitting corruption involving known cases , " the official said. Prince Miteb is the first Senior figure known to be released among those detained . Around 200 people in total have been questioned in the crackdown authorities said earlier this month. Saudi authorities , who estimate they could eventually recover around $ 100 billion of illicit funds , have been working on reaching agreements with suspects. Apart from Prince Miteb , the Saudi official said that at least three other suspects had finalised settlement agreements and that the public prosecutor had decided to release several individuals.