Uzbekistan detains two people in fraud cases linked to Umra pilgrimage
Authorities in Andijan and Fergana regions of Uzbekistan have identified two cases of illegal money collection under the guise of organising Umra pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia, the State Security Service reported.
Yulduz Salimov1 min read
Authorities in Andijan and Fergana regions of Uzbekistan have identified two cases of illegal money collection under the guise of organising Umra pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia. The State Security Service (SGB) reported the findings.
Resolution No. 668 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, dated 12 October 2024, established that only organisations holding an appropriate license may organise trips to perform Umra. The requirement is aimed at protecting the rights of pilgrims, ensuring their safety and the quality of services.
Case in Andijan
The first case was recorded in Andijan. According to the SGB, an employee of a travel company without the required license demanded $4,400 from a resident of Balykchi district, born in 1999, for organising a trip to Saudi Arabia for four of his relatives.
During an operation carried out jointly by SGB employees and internal affairs bodies, the company representative was detained while receiving the requested sum.
Case in Fergana region
The second case was identified in Fergana region. A resident of Tashlak district, born in 2007, proposed organising Umra for two residents of Fergana through a travel company operating in Namangan region. He demanded $2,100 for the trip.
According to reports, he was detained while receiving an advance payment of $1,000. The operation was carried out by SGB employees together with internal affairs bodies.
Criminal proceedings have been initiated in both cases, and investigative actions are under way.
Source: uzdaily.uz
