Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Two cases involving the illegal collection of money for Umrah pilgrimages have been uncovered in Ferghana and Andijan regions, Uzbekistan’s State Security Service said.
In Ferghana, an unauthorised employee of a travel company offered to arrange trips to Saudi Arabia for two people to perform Umrah. He demanded US$2,500 for organising the journey, despite not having the required authorisation.
Officers from regional departments of the State Security Service and the Interior Ministry detained the man while he was receiving US$2,450 during an operation.
A criminal case has been opened against him, and investigative proceedings are under way.
A similar case was recorded in Shakhrikhan district of Andijan region. An employee of a travel company operating illegally demanded US$4,400 to arrange a pilgrimage trip for four people.
Officers from the regional department of the State Security Service and internal affairs bodies detained him and his father while they were receiving US$4,300.
A preliminary investigation is under way in the case.
