4 arrested for defrauding Hajj pilgrims

Saudi Arabian security forces have arrested four men suspected of involvement in the fraudulent issuance of forged Hajj permits.

Two of the suspects are Saudi nationals while the others are Pakistani nationals but resident in Saudi Arabia.

A statement issued by the Hajj security forces said that the four were involved in deceit and fraud by promoting forged Hajj permits and visas on social media sites. 

They were found in possession of sim cards, stamps, mobile phones, computers and sums of money.

The kingdom’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has been running an aggressive online campaign warming against entering Makkah minus securing a Hajj permit, for residents, and Hajj visa for foreign pilgrims.

“I stress the need for pilgrims to adhere to regulations and instructions and cooperate with all parties so that we can serve them to the fullest extent,” Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah Affairs said.

Each of culprits faces imprisonment for 15 days, a fine of SR 10,000 (about Shs 10 million), public ashaming and deportation of expatriate transporters, with a ban on re-entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a specified period.

Meanwhile,  more than 1.2 million pilgrims have so far arrived in the holy land for this year’s Hajj which begins on June 14.