Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Cases involving the illegal organization of Umrah pilgrimage trips for Uzbek citizens have been identified in Ferghana and Namangan regions.
Criminal cases have been opened against the detained individuals, and investigative measures are underway.
In Ferghana region, law enforcement authorities established that citizens were being sent on Umrah illegally. The head of a tourism company operating in Kokand promised to arrange a trip for two citizens and demanded US$2,200.
During an operational operation, officers from the State Security Service, together with internal affairs authorities, detained him while he was receiving the requested amount. Evidence was found in his possession.
A similar case was recorded in Namangan region. An employee of a tourism company operating in Chartak district demanded US$2,200 to organize an Umrah trip for two citizens.
He was detained by State Security Service and internal affairs officers while receiving an advance payment of US$400. Evidence was also found in his possession.
According to the report, some tourism companies arrange pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia without the relevant licence to organize Umrah trips and subsequently leave pilgrims without the necessary support. This leads to various problems that pilgrims have to resolve on their own.
Law enforcement agencies are taking measures to prevent such cases.
Criminal cases have been opened against the individuals identified in Ferghana and Namangan regions, and investigative proceedings are continuing.
