MAKKAH — Saudi authorities have arrested several individuals involved in fraudulent Hajj operations, including the promotion of fake Hajj campaigns on social media platforms, the Ministry of Interior announced Friday. The Public Security Directorate apprehended suspects accused of falsely advertising services such as accommodation and transportation within the holy sites, offering to perform Hajj rituals on behalf of others, providing and distributing sacrificial animals, and selling unauthorized seasonal wristbands. The Ministry confirmed that all those arrested have been referred to the Public Prosecution after legal procedures were completed. Authorities stressed that domestic pilgrims must obtain official Hajj permits through the "Nusuk" platform, while international pilgrims must secure a Hajj visa issued by authorized Saudi authorities, coordinated through the digital "Tasreeh" platform. Regarding the sale and distribution of sacrificial animals and charity offerings on behalf of pilgrims, the Ministry of Interior reiterated that the Saudi Project for the Utilization of Hady and Adahi is the official authority responsible for these services. Purchases and order tracking can be made through its official website or by contacting the unified service number (920020193). The Ministry urged citizens and residents planning to perform Hajj to strictly follow official procedures and to report any suspicious activities or fraudulent campaigns by calling (911) in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and (999) in other parts of the Kingdom. Authorities have repeatedly warned prospective pilgrims against falling for fake advertisements and offers, encouraging them to engage only through official channels. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah previously emphasized that official Hajj travel can only be conducted through a valid Hajj visa, issued via Saudi-designated agencies across 80 countries, or through direct booking on the "Nusuk Hajj" platform for pilgrims from approximately 126 countries. For domestic pilgrims, the Ministry stated that the "electronic track" on the Ministry's official website and the "Nusuk" app are the only official channels for booking Hajj packages. Information or offers circulating outside these platforms are considered misleading and are not recognized by the official authorities.
