Samsun Umrah fraud leaves dozens of pilgrims defrauded

Around a dozen people in Samsun, Turkey, allege they were duped by an individual identified only as Ş. K., who promised to take them on the Umrah pilgrimage for a fee of roughly $1,000 each. The victims say they paid the money five months ago but were never taken to Saudi Arabia and have not received refunds. They report that the organizer changed phone numbers three times and ignored repeated requests for the promised travel.

Eight of the complainants, including Eren Kadir Kılıç and Raif Keşli, filed a criminal complaint with the Samsun Prosecutor's Office, accusing Ş. K. of fraud and demanding that the case be investigated and their money returned. The prosecutor’s office has opened a file on the matter.