Khaberni - The Egyptian Ministry of Interior's agencies dismantled a wide network of companies that defrauded citizens under the guise of organizing Hajj and Umrah trips.
These actions are part of the Egyptian government's strategy to purify the religious tourism sector from "brokers" and fictitious entities that exploit citizens' desire to perform the rituals, causing them to violate Egyptian and Saudi regulations.
Investigations by the Public Security and Tourism and Antiquities Police sectors confirmed that 25 unlicensed companies in several provinces engaged in fraud and embezzlement of citizens' money by promoting fictitious tourism and religious programs.
It turned out that these companies deceived the victims by claiming to be licensed and promoted their activities through social media and classified ads.
After regularizing procedures, the campaigns targeted these entities, apprehended those responsible, found in possession of stamps, passports, cash receipt books, and Hajj and Umrah visas, in addition to promotional materials. Days ago, security agencies took legal actions against 19 other unlicensed tourist companies in various provinces, practicing the same criminal method by embezzling citizens' money under the pretext of organizing Hajj and Umrah trips.
Forgery tools, fictitious Umrah programs, and cash collection books were found in possession of the accused, bringing the total number of companies apprehended in recent campaigns to 44 non-compliant entities.
The Egyptian authorities continued their intensive campaigns to control the mafia of non-compliant Hajj companies, which have been appearing for over two years and have caused significant problems. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism spotted fictitious advertisements on social media promoting Hajj and Umrah trips.
The ministry appealed to citizens not to be misled by Hajj advertisements promoted by illegitimate entities.
The ministry emphasized the importance of relying only on licensed and accredited tourist companies, as citizens can communicate with them to verify the credibility of the companies and their programs before contracting.
The ministry explained that dealing with unlicensed entities could expose citizens to fraud, in addition to potential legal risks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia due to violating visa conditions.
The ministry indicated that holders of visas that do not permit performing the Hajj will not be able to obtain the ministry's support in recovering their rights, urging everyone to be cautious and adhere to official procedures.
