The case against the owners of Mash’ar Tours has been forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office to press charges in connection with the mistreatment of Umrah pilgrims during last Ramadan.

According to a statement from the Maldives Police Service, the case was submitted on December 2, 2024, requesting legal action for financial misconduct related to bounced cheques, with the current charges focusing on the group’s failure to fulfil financial commitments amid other investigated allegations.

Last Ramadan, Mash’ar Tours organised an Umrah trip for 53 pilgrims, charging each participant MVR 38,500. However, the cheque issued to Ace Travels to cover return travel arrangements for the pilgrims bounced, leaving the group stranded after completing the pilgrimage.

The incident was reported to the police by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.