{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1711704,
        "msgid": "illegal-hajj-syndicate-8-agents-using-work-visas-since-2024-1777571587",
        "date": "2026-05-01 00:00:00",
        "title": "Illegal Hajj Syndicate: 8 Agents Using Work Visas Since 2024",
        "author": "",
        "source": "CNN_ID",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Legal",
        "summary": "The Indonesian Hajj Task Force has uncovered an illegal hajj syndicate that has operated 127 times since 2024, involving eight agents who facilitated unauthorised pilgrimages using work visas instead of official hajj visas. Police investigations revealed these agents recruited Indonesian citizens for these illicit trips, with one acting as the mastermind providing fake documentation, though identities remain undisclosed pending further probes. This crackdown, supported by a joint task force formed by national police and the Ministry of Religious Affairs under President Prabowo Subianto's directives, aims to protect pilgrims from fraud and ensure compliance with hajj regulations.",
        "content": "<p>The Hajj Task Force has dismantled an illegal hajj pilgrimage\nsyndicate that has operated 127 times since 2024. Director of Specific\nCrimes at the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency, Brigadier\nGeneral Moh Irhamni, stated that a total of eight agents have been\ninvolved in sending citizens illegally. They were examined on 18 April\n2026. \u201cEight individuals are suspected of conducting illegal hajj\nactivities. They have carried out 127 illegal hajj operations since\n2024,\u201d he told reporters at the National Police Criminal Investigation\nAgency on Thursday (30\/4). He explained that these agents sent\nIndonesian citizens (WNI) who wished to perform hajj using work visas\nrather than hajj visas. \u201cThey recruit our citizens, Indonesian people,\nto be sent on illegal hajj under the guise of work visas,\u201d he clarified.\nIrhamni noted that among the eight, one is the mastermind or provider of\nadministration responsible for preparing the illegal visas and other\ndocuments. However, he has not yet disclosed details about their\nidentities as investigations are ongoing. Irhamni only confirmed that\nthese eight individuals are not part of the three WNI arrested by\nsecurity forces in Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, Irhamni said his\nside is also conducting in-depth investigations to determine if any\ncompanies or hajj travel agencies are involved. \u201cAny companies or\nentities sending them will be pursued immediately, and the perpetrators\nwill be examined and chased down,\u201d he stated. Previously, the National\nPolice Headquarters and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) formed\nthe Hajj Task Force to protect prospective pilgrims from illegal hajj\npractices and scams. The agreement to establish the Hajj Task Force was\nsigned by Deputy Chief of Police Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo and\nDeputy Minister of Hajj Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak on Thursday (9\/4). Dedi\nsaid the formation of the Task Force aligns with President Prabowo\nSubianto\u2019s instructions to provide comprehensive protection for\nIndonesian hajj and umrah pilgrims. He mentioned that the Hajj Task\nForce will be responsible for socialisation, prevention, and legal\nenforcement against scammers and illegal hajj operators.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/illegal-hajj-syndicate-8-agents-using-work-visas-since-2024-1777571587",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}