Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — As a result of operational activities carried out by the State Security Service (SSS) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) in various regions of Uzbekistan, cases of illegal pilgrimage trips for Hajj and Umrah have been uncovered.

In Namangan region, a resident of the Balikchi district of Andijan region was detained after accepting US$20,000 for organizing a Hajj trip through a travel agency. He was caught with the money at the moment of receiving it.

In another case, an employee of a travel agency in Namangan demanded US$15,000 to arrange a Hajj for two individuals but was detained with US$10,000, which he had already received as an advance payment.

In Khorezm region, a case was uncovered where a resident of the Gurlan district, without a license, organized Umrah trips for three people for US$3,450. His actions were intercepted.

Additionally, in Fergana, a resident of the Toshloq district was detained for processing visas and sending two individuals on Umrah for US$2,400, despite not having the authority to organize pilgrimages. He was apprehended with the money at the moment of receiving it.

In Kuvinsky district, a man was detained for using Telegram to advertise a company involved in organizing pilgrimages. He demanded US$3,100 for visa processing and sending two people on Umrah, but was detained with US$1,800 as an advance payment.

Criminal cases have been initiated for all these incidents, and investigative actions are underway.