A 60-year-old man was charged in court today (Aug. 3) for his suspected involvement in a Haj tour scam.

According to The Straits Times, Mohd Ramlee Ab Samad was charged with 85 counts of cheating.

Arrested on October 2018

In an Aug. 2 statement by the Singapore Police Force (SPF), it was stated that a police report was lodged on Aug. 15, 2018.

80 people who had paid for a Haj tour did not receive confirmation of their flight and visa details.

Police subsequently arrested Ramlee on Oct. 4, 2018.

Cheated victims of more than S$98,000

Ramlee had deceived the victims into handing over their passports and monies amounting to more than S$98,000 with the false promise of a Haj trip.

For each count of cheating, he can be jailed for up to 10 years, and fined.

Ramlee's bail was set at S$30,000 and he will return to court on Aug. 31, reported ST.

SPF said in its statement that members of the public who wish to perform the Haj should make enquiries on Haj registration with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS).

Top image by Ömer F. Arslan via Unsplash.