Illegal Travel Agency Shut Down in Uzbekistan After Sending Nearly 20,000 Citizens on Umrah

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Authorities in Uzbekistan have halted the operations of an illegal travel agency that organized Umrah trips for nearly 20,000 citizens, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

During investigative actions, it was established that a 41-year-old resident of Andijan Region, acting without an official tour operator license through Jalolquduq Aviatrans LLC, arranged illegal trips for 19,547 people.

Between 2024 and 2025, the firm collected approximately US$22.8 million from citizens. The total damage to state and public interests exceeded 1.8 billion soums, while unpaid taxes and mandatory contributions amounted to 15.3 billion soums.

Additionally, 534 people sent to Saudi Arabia were placed in difficult conditions without adequate housing. All of them were returned to Uzbekistan on special flights.

A criminal case has been opened against 14 individuals, 13 of whom have been detained, and investigative actions are ongoing.