Criminal cases have been initiated against fraudsters attempting to send citizens from various regions of Uzbekistan on the "Hajj" pilgrimage through illegal means. The State Security Service and internal affairs agencies conducted prompt actions, resulting in the discovery of the following cases:
Andijan: An individual was caught having taken $50 thousand in the name of a defunct company
A person from Andijan, born in 1966 and previously convicted several times, promised to send 10 citizens on a "Hajj" pilgrimage in the name of a tourist company that had ceased operations. He was caught red-handed having received a total of $50 thousand — $5 thousand from each.
Karshi: A businessman demanding $14 thousand for a "Hajj" trip was exposed
A person in Karshi, engaged in business, born in 1985, promised to send a citizen and their relative on a pilgrimage through acquaintances. He was detained after having received $14 thousand.
Namangan: A tourism manager who demanded $20 thousand was caught with $10 thousand
An employee of one of the tourist companies in Namangan demanded $20 thousand to send 2 citizens to Saudi Arabia. Law enforcement detained him upon receiving a large sum of $10 thousand.
An employee from a Tashkent company was detained in Kokand with $9 thousand
A representative of a tourist company working in Tashkent promised to send a citizen from the Tashloq district of Fergana on a "Hajj" pilgrimage and was caught in Kokand city with $9 thousand. His illegal actions were stopped by law enforcement agencies.
Currently, criminal cases have been initiated against these individuals, and investigative actions are underway.
Hajj pilgrimage is a sacred act of worship. Turning it into a business is contrary not only to the law but also to conscience and morality.
