Authorities Investigate Alleged Scam by Askoi Hajj and Umrah Tours

Maldives Police Service (MPS) have confirmed receiving multiple complaints against Askoi Hajj and Umrah Tours Pvt Ltd, a company accused of defrauding individuals by accepting payments for Umrah pilgrimage packages without fulfilling its commitments.

According to reports, the company allegedly collected funds from clients under the pretext of organising Umrah trips, but failed to provide the promised services. A formal complaint has since been lodged with the relevant authorities.

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The case is now under investigation by the Economic Crime Investigation Department.

Members of the public who believe they may have been affected are urged to come forward. Complaints can be filed by contacting the Economic Crime Investigation Department directly on +960 9790048 or by visiting the Criminal Investigation Building in person.

Askoi Group has previously encountered issues in managing Umrah travel arrangements. In 2016, 38 individuals were unable to travel due to visa complications. Two years later, in 2018, a total of 168 pilgrims missed their trip owing to issues with temporary tickets, which the group attributed to a third-party service provider. 

More recently, during Ramadan in 2025, complaints surfaced that trips had been cancelled after payments were collected. In response to this incident, the group was fined MVR 130,000.

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed confirmed on X that the ministry had received reports indicating that Askoi accepted payments from prospective pilgrims, but failed to fulfil promised arrangements, leaving the pilgrims stranded.