Celebrity Thariq Halilintar received umrah trip as endorsement in fraud case

Indonesian celebrity Thariq Halilintar has been questioned as a witness in a fraud case involving Hanania Travel, a company that organized umrah pilgrimages. Halilintar's lawyer, Sangun Ragahdo, confirmed that the celebrity received an endorsement deal for an umrah trip, which involved promoting the brand in exchange for the pilgrimage.

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We do not deny that this is a form of endorsement. Some endorsements involve mutual return in the form of money... and perhaps Thariq and Aaliyah advertised a product or brand, or it was a barter. Barter in the sense that there was a benefit, what was the benefit? Well, in Hanania's case, the benefit was being sent for umrah.

Ragahdo explained that Hanania Travel initially approached Halilintar before his marriage to Aaliyah Massaid. The company renewed its offer in 2025 for an endorsement collaboration. The lawyer clarified that while some endorsements involve monetary compensation, Halilintar's arrangement was a barter: the benefit was the umrah trip itself. Halilintar and Massaid were to promote Hanania Travel through social media posts.

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We have paid for Hanania almost Rp170 million, more than Rp160 million. That is separate from the costs for being there, for food, paying the mutawif, and so on.

Before accepting the offer, Halilintar reportedly researched Hanania Travel and found it to be a credible company. The endorsement included free umrah trips for Halilintar, Massaid, and their child. However, the celebrity and his wife invited additional companions, bringing the total group to eight people. Halilintar then paid nearly $170 million for the travel expenses of his companions, in addition to costs for accommodation and guides.

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So even though we received a benefit, a benefit in the sense that there was a return, the return at that time was just a story. There was a story, a story post, a feed, that was it. Well, they all went, from the 8th to the 15th of December, if I'm not mistaken.

Halilintar stated he was shocked by the fraud allegations that surfaced earlier this year. He expressed his sympathy for the victims who were unable to perform their umrah pilgrimage due to the case. He affirmed his willingness to cooperate with the police investigation to help shed light on the matter and facilitate a quick resolution for those affected.

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I was very shocked by the news circulating and other things. Then when we received a summons from the police, we immediately responded, we are ready to help with anything we can. Hopefully, this case can be brought to light, and a quick solution can be found for the victims. We are doing everything we can.