Police seek charges over Mashar Tours’ cheque bounce
According to authorities, Mashar Tours issued cheques for payments related to Umrah pilgrimages that were later found to have bounced.
Mashar Tours, a licensed tour operator for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage trips in the Maldives, has faced a legal setback after a case involving bounced cheques was referred to prosecution.
The case, which first surfaced in 2023, has raised serious concerns about the group's financial practices and its credibility as a trusted pilgrimage tour provider.
The issue was initially reported to the police on April 13 of the previous year. According to authorities, Mashar Tours issued cheques for payments related to Umrah pilgrimages that were later found to have bounced. As a result, the case attracted attention from both law enforcement and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, which is responsible for regulating Hajj and Umrah-related activities in the Maldives.
After an investigation, the case was forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office on December 2, 2024. The authorities are now evaluating the matter to determine if criminal charges should be pressed against the group.
In addition to the bounced cheques case, Mashar Tours has been under scrutiny for alleged illegal financial practices. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs filed a complaint against the group, accusing it of extorting money from people under false pretences. Such claims are particularly sensitive in the context of Hajj and Umrah services, which are considered sacred and must adhere to strict guidelines.
This is not the first time Mashar Tours has faced legal action. Earlier in 2023, the group, which also operated under the name Al Mashr Hajj and Umrah Group, was involved in a similar incident. At that time, the ministry had to revoke the group’s license after it was revealed that another set of cheques had bounced, leaving many would-be pilgrims stranded and without their prepaid travel arrangements.
The most significant impact of Mashar Tours' legal troubles has been felt by the Maldivian pilgrims who had entrusted the company with their Umrah arrangements. In one notable incident, a group of Maldivians who were left stranded in Mecca had to be taken over by the Hajj Corporation, a government body responsible for assisting stranded pilgrims.
Another travel agency, Al-Hijra Travel and Tours, has reportedly charged MVR 100,000 for similar services. With such high stakes involved, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has made it clear that further investigation is necessary, and any fraudulent activities will be reported to the police.
