Law enforcement agencies in Uzbekistan have reportedly intercepted new attempts to illegally organize small pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia, as unauthorized individuals continue to exploit citizens wishing to perform religious rituals. Despite established official regulations governing religious tourism, fraudsters routinely demand substantial monetary sums while lacking any legal authorization or tourist licenses.

In the Samarkand region, a representative of a local family enterprise allegedly offered to arrange an umrah trip for a local resident and two of his relatives. The suspect reportedly demanded 3.4 thousand US dollars for travel arrangements and ritual facilitation. During a joint operation conducted by the State Security Service and the regional internal affairs department, the woman was detained while allegedly receiving 3 thousand dollars. Authorities have initiated a criminal case, and the investigation is currently ongoing.

A similar illicit scheme was allegedly uncovered in the Namangan region, where the director of a local limited liability company promised an Uchkurgan district resident to illegally organize an umrah pilgrimage for 1.35 thousand dollars. The suspect was reportedly apprehended by law enforcement officers while collecting an advance payment of 1.2 thousand dollars. A pre-investigation check is currently underway regarding this incident.

The State Security Service has strongly urged citizens to verify the official licenses of pilgrimage organizers, avoid dubious offers, and exercise caution with financial transfers. This latest enforcement action follows a similar crackdown in the Fergana region, where another illegal umrah organizer was recently detained by authorities.

Source: podrobno.uz