Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Two cases involving the illegal organization of Umrah pilgrimage trips have been uncovered in Tashkent and Ferghana regions. Criminal cases have been opened in both cases, and investigations are underway.
In Tashkent District of Tashkent Region, a 42-year-old man without the required licence gained the trust of a Tashkent resident and demanded US$1,100 to arrange a trip to Saudi Arabia for Umrah through his acquaintances.
Officers from the State Security Service, the Department for Combating Economic Crimes and the Interior Ministry detained the man while he was receiving US$1,000 and 1.2 million soums as evidence.
A similar case was uncovered in Ferghana Region. During an operation conducted by State Security Service officers jointly with internal affairs authorities, a manager of a tourism company operating in Dangara District was exposed.
According to law enforcement authorities, he received US$2,200 to arrange an Umrah trip for two residents of Uchkuprik District.
Criminal cases have been opened against those involved in both cases. Investigations are underway.
