Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan's State Security Service (SSS) has uncovered two suspected fraud cases involving the illegal collection of money for organising Umrah pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia in Andijan and Ferghana regions.
According to the SSS, both cases involved individuals offering pilgrimage arrangements without the necessary authorisation.
Under Uzbekistan's Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 668 of 12 October 2024, only organisations holding the appropriate licence are permitted to arrange Umrah pilgrimages.
The licensing requirement is intended to protect pilgrims' rights, ensure their safety and maintain the quality of services provided.
The first case was identified in Andijan, where an employee of a travel company operating without the required licence allegedly demanded US$4,400 from a resident of Baliqchi district born in 1999.
The payment was requested in exchange for arranging travel to Saudi Arabia for four of the resident's relatives to perform Umrah.
During a joint operation conducted by the State Security Service and internal affairs officers, the travel company representative was detained while receiving the requested amount.
The second case was uncovered in Ferghana region.
According to the security service, a resident of Tashlak district born in 2007 offered to arrange Umrah pilgrimages for two residents of Ferghana through a travel company operating in Namangan region.
The individual demanded US$2,100 for the proposed trip.
SSS officers, working jointly with internal affairs personnel, detained the suspect while receiving an advance payment of US$1,000.
Criminal cases have been initiated in connection with both incidents, and investigative proceedings are ongoing.
