TASHKENT, January 7. . Law enforcement agencies of Uzbekistan stopped the activities of a group that illegally organized a small pilgrimage or hajj – Umrah – for more than 19.5 thousand people, the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the republic reported.
According to her data, people were attracted to illegal pilgrimages by a native of the Andijan region, who worked as an unofficial travel agent at one of the travel agencies. In 2024-2025, this travel company received about 22.8 million USD from the people, damage to state interests amounted to about 1 billion 820 million soum (151.3 thousand USD), losses due to tax evasion and other fees – 15.3 billion soum (1,272 million USD). It was also noted that 534 people sent to Saudi Arabia fell into difficult circumstances due to poor quality services and were sent back to Uzbekistan on special flights.
“The investigation agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs opened a criminal case against 14 people under the relevant provisions of the Penal Code, 13 people were arrested,” the press agency said in a statement.
Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with shahada (proof of faith in Allah), prayer, almsgiving and fasting. The Quran declares that “everyone is obliged to make the pilgrimage to the Kaaba if they are able to make the journey.” Hajj traditionally takes place from the 8th to the 12th of the Muslim lunar month of Dhul-Hijjah; Its start date is determined annually by Saudi Arabian authorities. Umrah – Minor Hajj – can be performed at any time of the year, unlike the main Hajj, which is strictly limited in time.