Three Indonesians Arrested in Mecca, Suspected of Creating Fake Hajj Services

Saudi Hajj security forces in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, have arrested three Indonesian citizens for allegedly perpetrating fraud by issuing advertisements on social media offering fake Hajj services, according to a report by Saudi Gazette. The authorities seized fake Hajj permits and the tools used in the crime. Their case has now been referred to the prosecution. The Saudi Ministry of Interior has reiterated the penalties for anyone violating Hajj regulations. Offenders may face fines of up to SR20,000 (approximately Rp90 million) and a ban on re-entering Saudi Arabia. The Ministry also clarified that anyone caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without an official permit will be fined, while non-resident violators will be deported to their home countries and prohibited from re-entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years. Recently, officers also arrested five individuals attempting to enter Mecca illegally: one Saudi national, two Egyptians, and two Yemenis. They were apprehended while trying to enter Mecca on foot through a desert area without official Hajj permits.