Man involved in alleged Haj tour scam charged with cheating

SINGAPORE — A 47-year-old man who allegedly cheated 80 pilgrims of nearly S$100,000 in a Haj tour scam was charged with one count of cheating on Friday (Aug 17).

Court documents showed that Fahrorazi Sohoi allegedly cheated one Mohammad Farehan Mohammad Hussein of S$1,550, by duping the latter into believing that he was able to perform a VIP Haj tour under the invitation of the Saudi embassy.

If convicted, the Singaporean who was arrested by the police on Thursday faces a jail term of up to 10 years, with fine.

Investigations against Fahrorazi, who manages a local tour agency, are ongoing. The 47-year-old is currently in remand and will return to court on Aug 24.

On Thursday, the police said in a press release that Fahrorazi was arrested hours after a police report was lodged.

Eighty pilgrims, who were due to depart for a Haj tour on Thursday, did not receive their flight confirmation and visa details, even though they allegedly paid Fahrorazi S$98,250.

A few Singapore passports and cash amounting to S$196,950 were seized after he was arrested.

On Thursday, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) reminded Muslims who wish to perform the Haj that they needed to register with the council under the Advance Haj Registration System.

“Only travel agents who are appointed by Muis are allowed to provide Haj services,” it added in a statement.