Police question celebrities over alleged umrah travel fraud

Police in Jakarta are investigating a suspected umrah travel fraud case involving Hanania Group, questioning celebrities Thariq Halilintar and Aaliyah Massaid as witnesses. Their lawyer, Sangun Ragahdo Yosodiningrat, confirmed they had a work partnership with Hanania Group, where the company provided benefits and the celebrities promoted its brands.

Halilintar and Massaid received free umrah trips as part of this collaboration, traveling in December last year before the alleged fraud was reported. Their lawyer stated they checked the company's background and found it to be a reputable travel agency at the time.

Massaid expressed sympathy for the victims, acknowledging her own losses but noting they were not comparable to those of the pilgrims. She hoped for a swift resolution to the case. The investigation also includes other figures who promoted Hanania Group, such as Keanu Angelo, who described his involvement as a barter arrangement rather than a brand ambassadorship.

The case began with offers for umrah packages promoted on social media. Potential pilgrims paid in February 2026 for trips scheduled between March and July 2026, but the company failed to arrange the travel. The owner of Hanania Group has been named a suspect, and verified losses currently stand at Rp 4.2 billion.