Man in Haj tour scam arrested for allegedly cheating 80 people of nearly S$100k

SINGAPORE — A 47-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly cheating 80 persons of nearly S$100,000 in a Haj tour scam.

The arrest on Wednesday (Aug 15) came hours after a report was lodged when the 80 pilgrims, who were due to depart for a Haj tour on Thursday, did not receive their flight confirmation and visa details.

The man, who manages a local tour agency, had received S$98,250 from the 80 victims.

A few Singapore passports and cash amounting to S$196,950 were seized after the man was arrested.

"Preliminary investigations revealed that he had allegedly misled the victims to believe that they could go for Haj tours at discounted rates," the police said in a statement on Thursday.

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) declined to comment on the case, citing the ongoing police investigations.

However, it reminded Muslims in a statement that those who wish to perform the Haj need to register with Muis under the Advance Haj Registration System.

"Only travel agents who are appointed by Muis are allowed to provide Haj services," Muis added.

The man will be charged on Friday with cheating, which is punishable with a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine.