Ministry investigates after Askoi accused of defrauding multiple umrah pilgrims

The Islamic Ministry has opened an investigation after Askoi Travel Services, a private hajj and umrah group, was accused of defrauding multiple people who paid to perform the umrah pilgrimage this Ramadan.

The allegations first began emerging on social media at the end of last week.

A person who claims to have paid MVR 252,000 for their family to perform umrah pilgrimage said via Facebook on March 6 that Askoi had “misled” them for days before.

“And then, they sent a message on the night of the sixth of Ramadan telling us that they were unable to send us on the umrah trip we paid for due to an issue,” wrote the Facebook user, adding that they were also told that they would be given a refund after March 15.

The Facebook user said that the family found another tour group for they can perform umrah this Ramadan, but were refused a refund by Askoi when they asked for their money back so they can pay the other tour group.

The allegations sparked anger, with many social media users demanding authorities to cancel Askoi’s license and conduct a criminal investigation into the case.

In a brief press message on Thursday morning, Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said the ministry was aware of the allegations against Askoi, and that relevant units were looking into the case.

In his message, Shaheem promised harsh action against tour groups that violate laws and regulations, pointing out that the ministry had revoked the license of such a group recently.

Askoi was not immediately available for comment regarding the allegations.

Back in February, the Prosecutor General’s Office filed criminal charges against Mash’ar Hajj & Umrah for defrauding 27 umrah pilgrims out of over MVR 500,000 last year.

The tour group was reported to the police by the Islamic Ministry following allegations raised on social media.