The Maldives Police Service has initiated a criminal investigation into the Askoi Group following fresh allegations of fraud involving failed Umrah travel arrangements.

According to the Police, the case is currently being handled by the Crime Investigation Department after the Ministry of Islamic Affairs referred complaints from 28 individuals in Shaviyani Foakaidhoo. Each person had reportedly paid MVR 25,000 for an Umrah pilgrimage scheduled for February last year, which did not materialise.

Complainants say the group had recently asked them to prepare for travel by July 24, but the trip was abruptly cancelled without explanation. Attempts to contact the organisers since then have been unsuccessful, with many alleging that the group's representatives have become unreachable.

The Police have urged any other individuals affected by similar cases to come forward and contact them via 9790048 or by reporting directly to the nearest station.

Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed confirmed that the ministry had filed the case with police, adding that the group is suspected of collecting funds under false pretences. He said appropriate legal action would be taken in line with existing regulations.

This is not the first time the Askoi Group has faced scrutiny. In 2016, 38 people failed to travel due to visa issues, while in 2018, 168 pilgrims missed their trip due to problems with temporary tickets. The company blamed a third-party agent for the latter incident. Earlier this year, the group was fined MVR 130,000 after cancelling Umrah trips during Ramadan following payment collection.