Consequences of the Investigation Report on the 2025 Hajj: Imminent Suspension of the Director of the Islamic Cultural Centre

Title: Consequences of the Investigation Report on the 2025 Hajj: Imminent Suspension of the Director of the Islamic Cultural Centre

Content:
The Ministry of Arts and Culture is preparing to take strong measures. According to our exclusive information, the first sanction could target Abdool Azize Owasil, the director of the Islamic Cultural Centre Trust Fund (ICCTF), following an alarming report on the 2025 Hajj.

This development comes after the Council of Ministers decided on Friday, October 3, to forward the Inquiry Committee's report to the police and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) due to elements that could be criminal in nature. According to our sources, the Ministry plans to suspend the director as early as this week, pending the convening of an internal disciplinary committee. Abdool Gaffoor Kassim, the secretary and treasurer, is expected to take over temporarily.

The 40-page report details how visas for the 2025 Hajj were issued irregularly, with the use of fake registration numbers, forged documents, and inadequate administrative oversight. At the center of this issue, the Inquiry Committee highlights the crucial role of the director, described as the missing link in supervision. "The director was informed of the irregularities as early as April 26, 2025. However, no action was taken," the report notes.

According to investigators, the director not only failed to act but also remained silent during a board meeting on May 5, even though suspicions of fraud were already known. "During the Board meeting on May 5, the director remained silent about the five cases despite being aware of them," the report continues.

Investigators uncovered a series of structured frauds: visas granted to people not registered, those who had already completed the Hajj, or using falsified numbers. The case of a pilgrim who completed the Hajj in 2002 illustrates these abuses: despite the ICCTF being aware of this information, the visa was issued. "The director and the secretary-treasurer of the ICCTF informed the Committee that they were aware of this case," the report highlights. The investigators also note that old registration numbers were reassigned to new candidates, a practice deemed fraudulent.

An Opaque Financial System

The report also condemns the lack of financial transparency surrounding the ICCTF's foreign currency account at the State Bank of Mauritius, which is intended to receive payments for Tannazul – the transportation fees in Saudi Arabia. "The responsibility for verifying Tannazul payments lies with the director, as he is the only one with access to the foreign currency account," the document recalls. However, several pilgrims obtained their visas without having paid this amount, raising serious suspicions of gross negligence.

Investigators add that the director allowed Tannazul transfers between pilgrims from different operators, a practice against regulations. "The director informed the Committee that these transfers were made between Hadjis from different operators," the report states.

During his hearing, Abdool Azize Owasil tried to defend himself, claiming that Tannazul reimbursements were not his responsibility. "The director stated that it was not the ICCTF's duty to verify Tannazul reimbursements," the report quotes. But this justification raised concerns for the Inquiry Committee, which spoke of a complete disengagement and a blatant lack of hierarchical supervision. "The anomalies demonstrate a lack of oversight at all levels of the hierarchy," the report concludes.

According to our sources, more heads are expected to roll in the coming days.