Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Indonesian National Police (INP) Criminal Investigation Agency has launched an investigation into a syndicate allegedly facilitating illegal Hajj departures using fraudulent work visas. 

Brigadier General Moh. Irhamni, the Director of Special Crimes, revealed on Thursday (30/4/2026) that the probe began after immigration officers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport intercepted eight illegal pilgrims on 18 April 2026.

"They recruited citizens under the guise of working in Saudi Arabia, but their communications clearly showed their goal was the Hajj," he said, confirming that the Criminal Investigation Agency is currently pursuing the companies and suspects involved in the scheme.

Initial findings suggest the group has carried out 127 illegal departures since 2024. The suspects lured victims by offering "instant Hajj" without the years-long official waiting period, according to antaranews.com. 

While the pilgrims were officially documented as laborers bound for Saudi Arabia, investigators found digital evidence on their mobile phones confirming their true intent was to perform the Hajj.

As part of the Hajj and Umrah Task Force, the police warned the public to remain vigilant against offers for instant pilgrimage that bypass official government channels. 

(mg/inp/pr/rs)