Ministry of Islamic Affairs has launched an investigation into reports that officials from Askoi Hajj-Umra Maldives fled the country after collecting money from individuals intending to travel to Umrah.

According to social media posts circulating today, the company’s owners allegedly left the Maldives with passports and payments, informing clients at the last minute that the trip would no longer proceed.

Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed confirmed the matter has been brought to the ministry’s attention.

Earlier this year, on 14 January, 19 companies were penalised for violating regulations related to Umrah travel. At the time, Minister Shaheem stated that fines of MVR 5,000 were imposed depending on the severity of the violations. He also revealed that one company had obtained foreign currency from the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) and failed to carry out the trip, despite using an official licence from the ministry.

If further investigation proves the company’s wrongdoing, they could face a fine of up to MVR 30,000, have their licence revoked, and the case could be forwarded to the police, the minister added.