Police have launched an investigation into the Abraar Group after the company allegedly collected money from pilgrims for an Umrah trip during the last 10 days of Ramadan but cancelled the journey at the last minute.
Police said a complaint was filed on the 4th of this month alleging that a group had taken payments to arrange Umrah travel during Ramadan but failed to proceed with the trip.
Police confirmed that the matter is under investigation but did not provide further details. It remains unclear whether the complaint was submitted by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs or by a private individual.
The Islamic Ministry said earlier that 110 people scheduled to depart for Umrah under the Abraar Group had their trip cancelled without a valid reason. The ministry has since temporarily suspended the company’s permit to organize Umrah trips from the Maldives.
The ministry said the case is being investigated further and appropriate action will be taken.
Pilgrims reportedly paid MVR 45,000 each for the Umrah package. However, the group informed them on the afternoon of the scheduled departure that the trip had been cancelled, citing uncertainty over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Some pilgrims have alleged that the company had not paid for permits, visas or hotel bookings.
The company said it had already purchased airline tickets and arranged accommodation, and has begun issuing refunds after deducting ticket costs.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Ministry said 164 pilgrims who were unable to travel have now been assisted through arrangements made with Maldives Hajj Corporation. A Maldivian Airlines charter flight was organized to transport them to Saudi Arabia, with accommodation arranged for them in Mecca.
