Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Criminal proceedings have been launched against several individuals across Uzbekistan for attempting to fraudulently organize Hajj pilgrimages, according to the State Security Service (SSS).

In Andijan, a previously convicted resident born in 1966 was detained in a joint operation by the regional SSS department and the police. Posing as a representative of a now-defunct travel agency, he gained the trust of 10 citizens and promised to arrange their Hajj pilgrimage. Each individual paid him US$5,000, totaling US$50,000. The arrest was made with physical evidence at hand.

In a separate case in Karshi, Kashkadarya region, an entrepreneur born in 1985 was detained after deceiving a citizen and promising to organize Hajj travel for him and a relative through alleged contacts in the capital. He received US$14,000 in return for the arrangement.

Another case was uncovered in Namangan, where a manager of a local travel company demanded US$20,000 for sending two people to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj. He was caught red-handed by SSS and police officers while receiving an advance payment of US$10,000.

In Tashkent, an employee of a travel firm operating in the capital defrauded a resident of the Tashlak district in Fergana region, obtaining US$9,000 in Kokand under the pretense of organizing Hajj travel. His illegal activities were halted by law enforcement authorities.

Criminal cases have been opened against all suspects, and investigative actions are currently underway.