Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — An attempt to illegally organise an Umrah pilgrimage has been stopped in the Ferghana region.
An employee of a tourism company in the Dangara district who did not have the required licence demanded US$4,400 to send four citizens to Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan’s State Security Service said.
The operation was carried out by officers of the State Security Service’s Ferghana regional department together with the regional Interior Department. The tourism company employee was detained while receiving material evidence.
According to law enforcement authorities, the man demanded US$4,400 to organise a trip for four citizens to perform Umrah. He received US$1,100 as an advance payment.
The tourism company employee did not have the required licence to organise Umrah pilgrimages.
A criminal case has been opened against the detainee. Investigative proceedings are currently underway.
Law enforcement authorities urge citizens to report similar offences by calling the State Security Service’s short number 1520. The confidentiality of applicants’ identities is guaranteed.
