Two Arrested as UK Pilgrims Warned Over Hajj and Umrah Scams

Two men have been arrested in Birmingham as part of an investigation into an alleged £100,000 Hajj fraud, prompting renewed warnings to people across the UK planning Hajj or Umrah journeys.

West Midlands Police said around a dozen people, many of them elderly residents from Birmingham, are believed to have lost approximately £100,000 collectively.

The latest arrests were made on 29 September 2026, after police carried out search warrants at three addresses across Birmingham.

The two men, aged 22 and 23, were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and money laundering. Police said they remained in custody for questioning. No charges had been announced at the latest update.

According to West Midlands Police, people planning to travel to Mecca for Hajj were told they would pay money towards services including visas, travel and accommodation.

However, police said the promised arrangements were not made.

Around a dozen people are believed to have been affected, with many of the reported victims described as elderly.

The investigation is being led by the force's Economic Crime Unit, with support from Birmingham City Council's Trading Standards team.

The allegations have not been tested in court. An arrest does not mean that either suspect has been found guilty of an offence.

The Birmingham investigation comes amid wider concern about fraud targeting people planning religious pilgrimages.

The Council of British Hajjis issued a warning on 29 September 2026, advising Muslims planning Hajj or Umrah to check travel arrangements carefully and use official and trusted channels. The organisation said people should be particularly cautious about anyone offering guaranteed Hajj places or priority access outside the official booking system.

The warning covers both Hajj and Umrah, although the Birmingham police investigation specifically concerns alleged Hajj arrangements.

Earlier in 2026, an investigation based on City of London Police data found that reported Hajj-related fraud losses increased in 2025.

According to figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request, reported losses reached £195,752 in 2025, compared with £150,000 in 2024. Police recorded 34 Hajj-related fraud reports in 2025, with the largest individual reported loss being £64,000.

The actual level of fraud may be higher because not every victim reports what happened.

The same investigation reported concerns about criminals moving increasingly towards online methods, including websites designed to look like official Hajj booking services.

Fraud involving pilgrimage travel can take different forms.

People may be offered accommodation, flights, visas or pilgrimage packages that do not exist. Online criminals may also use websites, social media advertisements or messages that appear to represent legitimate travel providers.

UK government travel guidance warns that organised crime groups target people planning both Hajj and Umrah trips. It says many victims are over 65, although people of any age can be targeted.

The government advises British Muslims that Hajj places can only be booked through the official Nusuk Hajj platform.

For Umrah, travellers are advised to check that their travel agent or operator is ATOL protected when booking a package that includes flights.

The government advises people to research travel companies before making a booking, even if the company has been recommended by friends or relatives.

People should also be cautious about offers that appear unusually cheap or promise arrangements that seem too good to be true.

When paying for Hajj or Umrah, travellers are advised to keep a clear record of payments, obtain written confirmation and make sure the terms and conditions are clear. Using a credit card where possible can also provide an additional payment record.

The Council of British Hajjis similarly advises pilgrims to verify the identity and credentials of providers, obtain invoices and receipts, keep correspondence and be cautious about requests to transfer money to personal bank accounts.

People in the UK who believe they have been affected by Hajj fraud can report the matter to the police, City of London Police's Fraud Desk or Action Fraud, according to current government guidance.

Victims should keep bank statements, receipts, contracts, emails, text messages and other records that could help investigators.

Families can also help older relatives by checking pilgrimage arrangements before money is transferred.

The Birmingham arrests are the latest development in an investigation involving around a dozen alleged victims and approximately £100,000 in reported losses.

West Midlands Police has not announced charges against the two men at the latest update, and enquiries remain ongoing.

The case has renewed attention on the importance of checking Hajj and Umrah travel arrangements through official channels before making payments.

For many Muslims, Hajj or Umrah represents a major religious and financial commitment. Authorities and community organisations are therefore urging prospective pilgrims to take time to verify their bookings and avoid making rushed payments.