Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — The Criminal Court in Makkah sentenced an Asian national to one year in prison and a fine of SR10,000 for running a fake Hajj campaign via a social media site with the intent to defraud aspiring pilgrims.

The court's ruling also included the confiscation of all devices and means used in committing the crime. Security authorities arrested the resident and seized from him receipts that related to the illegal activity. He was then referred to the Public Prosecution, which in turn referred him to the Criminal Court.

The Public Prosecution stressed that involving in fake campaigns is a major crime punishable by arrest, affirming its continued pursuit of all those who tamper with Hajj regulations and bringing them to justice.