Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Public Prosecution has warned against exploiting the Hajj season to collect donations in cash or kind.

It is forbidden the misuse of spirituality and sanctity of the Hajj rituals for collecting donations, the Public Prosecution said in a statement published on its official Twitter account.

“Exploiting the pilgrimage to collect donations is considered one of the major crimes that warrant arrest as these practices may involve the use of fraudulent methods to illegally seize the money of others,” the statement said.

The Public Prosecution said it is prohibited to collect donations in any form for any party and by any means, whether in cash or kind, or make any announcement and call for collecting donations without obtaining a permit from the competent authority during the Hajj.