Police investigate 70 witnesses in alleged umrah travel fraud case

The Polda Metro Jaya in Indonesia has interviewed 70 witnesses as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged fraud and embezzlement of funds related to umrah travel packages offered by PT Khasanah Tamah Internasional, also known as Hanania Group. The witnesses include victims of the alleged scam and individuals who previously promoted the company's services.

Director of General Criminal Investigation at Polda Metro Jaya, Commissioner General Iman Imanuddin, stated that a dedicated post has been established for victims to report their grievances. So far, 687 individuals have filed complaints. The investigation is actively proceeding, with plans to question social media influencers who collaborated with Hanania Group and to trace the company's assets and financial flows.

The case originated from attractive umrah package offers promoted on social media, with prices ranging from Rp 29 million to Rp 46 million, including various facilities and optional tours. Potential pilgrims made payments in February 2026 for departures scheduled between March and July 2026. However, Hanania Group failed to arrange the travel as promised.

When confronted, the company's management could not provide clarity on the use of the funds. Victims subsequently reported the case to the police on May 28, 2026. Investigators discovered that the company allegedly used pilgrim funds to cover financial difficulties and other purposes unrelated to organizing the umrah trips. To date, 38 victims have been verified, with reported losses totaling Rp 4.2 billion, and an estimated total loss of Rp 12.145 billion affecting 128 prospective pilgrims.

Achmad Syah Farhan Rachman, identified as ASFR, has been named a suspect. Police have seized umrah travel documents, equipment, 301 visas, and 102 bundles of passports belonging to prospective pilgrims as evidence.