Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Authorities in Uzbekistan have detained two men suspected of illegally arranging Umrah pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia in separate cases in Samarkand and Namangan Region, the State Security Service said.
In both cases, officers from the State Security Service and internal affairs bodies detained the suspects while they were receiving money.
In Samarkand, a representative of a family enterprise who lacked the required authorisation to organise pilgrimages allegedly demanded US$3,450 to arrange a trip to Saudi Arabia for a man and two of his relatives and provide conditions for them to perform religious rites.
He was detained while receiving US$3,000, which was documented as evidence. A criminal case has been opened against him, and preliminary investigative actions are underway.
The second case was recorded in Namangan Region. According to available information, the head of a limited liability company operating in Namangan District allegedly demanded US$1,350 to arrange an Umrah pilgrimage illegally for a resident of Uchkuprik District.
He was detained by State Security Service and internal affairs officers while receiving an advance payment of US$1,200. A pre-investigation inquiry is underway.
Authorities urged citizens to check whether service providers hold the necessary licences before paying for pilgrimage arrangements, avoid suspicious offers and exercise caution when transferring money.
