Law enforcement agencies have uncovered several cases of fraud related to the organization of Hajj and Umrah, reports the news agency UzA.
In the Namangan region, a travel company owned by a local resident and his mother promised to arrange a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia for $10,000. The fraudsters were apprehended with material evidence during the receipt of the funds.
In Gulistan, the founder of a travel agency, lacking the appropriate license, demanded $6,000 for sending a citizen and his four relatives on a pilgrimage. The scammer was detained after receiving an advance payment of $400 and 1.3 million sums.
Another incident occurred in the Surkhandarya region, where an employee of a travel company was detained while receiving $1,100 and 200,000 sums for promising to send a local citizen to Saudi Arabia for Umrah "without any authority."
Additionally, in the Denau district, the head of a travel agency was arrested after collecting $1,000 and 1.28 million sums, as well as another citizen who gained trust and promised a discounted pilgrimage, after taking $1,200 and 650,000 sums.
“Currently, criminal cases have been initiated against these individuals under Article 168 (fraud) of the Criminal Code, and investigations are underway,” the statement said.
In November 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a list of companies authorized to conduct Umrah. This list includes 6 firms from Tashkent, 3 from Namangan, and one each from Andijan, Margilan, and Urgench.
According to the new regulations, pilgrimage organizers must contribute $1 million to the "Ziyorat" fund and provide an agreement with a partner organization in Saudi Arabia. They are responsible for providing medical assistance to pilgrims, ensuring their meals, accommodations in hotels
Previously, Spot reported that the Committee for Religious Affairs fined Xurmo Travel Umra 75 million sums.