Uzbekistan Uncovers Illegal Umrah Pilgrimage Schemes

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan's State Security Service has uncovered two separate cases of illegal Umrah pilgrimage organization in Tashkent and Ferghana, detaining two men accused of taking money to arrange trips to Saudi Arabia.

In Tashkent, a 45-year-old man posing as an employee of an authorized travel agency promised three citizens he would arrange their trip to Saudi Arabia and facilitate their religious rites. He demanded US$3,450 for the services and was detained while receiving US$3,400 and 600,000 soums.

In a similar case in Ferghana, a 28-year-old man offered through acquaintances to organize Umrah trips for four individuals in exchange for US$4,200. He was detained upon receiving the funds.

Criminal cases have been opened for both incidents, and investigations are ongoing, according to the press service of the State Security Service.