KUALA LUMPUR – The Israeli national who was arrested for possessing six pistols and 200 rounds of ammunition is expected to be charged in court either this week or after the Hari Raya celebration.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said police are now investigating the primary motive behind the possession of the firearms.
“The case involving the Israeli man, Shalom Avitan, is still under investigation. We are ascertaining the main motive behind the possession of six firearms.
“He will be charged in court perhaps by this week or after Hari Raya,” he told the media during a press conference at Police Training Centre (Pulapol) this morning.
Earlier, Razarudin witnessed the handover of duties ceremony to the new Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department Director, Datuk Mohd Nasri Omar.
Nasri assumed the responsibilities previously held by Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri, who retired after 38 years of service.
Meanwhile, the local couple who allegedly supplied Avitan with firearms will be charged in the Klang Court today, Razarudin said.
The media previously reported that Avitan had entered the country via Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on March 12, using a French passport.
The six firearms discovered in the suspect’s hotel room included a Glock 19 Marine, a Glock 17 Gen 4, a Smith & Wesson, a Sig Sauer, and a Stoeger, along with 200 rounds of ammunition stashed in his bag.
Subsequently, the police apprehended three Malaysians, among them the married couple, on suspicion of supplying firearms to the Israeli man.
The police have opened two investigation papers under Section 7 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971. – April 8, 2024