KUALA LUMPUR — Police have have arrested another seven individuals linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) Holdings to assist in an investigation into human trafficking.
Those arrested include another son of the company’s chairman and CEO Datuk Nasiruddin Mohd Ali, according to Harian Metro.
Bernama meanwhile reported that the seven arrested are aged between 32 and 35, and all are member’s of a GISB youth group called Remaja Pembela Ummah (RPU).
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain was quoted saying that the seven have been placed under remand until September 26.
“The Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) team carried out arrests at four locations, from 11 pm last night to 4.07 am today.
“Interrogations are ongoing, and the suspects are currently being held at the Shah Alam Centralised Detention Centre. The case is being investigated under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007,” Razarudin told Bernama.
Section 12 pertains to trafficking person who are not minors for the purpose of exploitation. Convicted offenders are liable to imprisonment of not more than 15 years and a fine.
The arrests were made in Temerloh, Pahang; Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan; and Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, according to Harian Metro.
Razarudin meanwhile said the youth group claims to represent the youth in GISB and practices Islam as a way of life through engagements with local and international communities through diverse activities.
Razarudin appealed to former followers of GISB and members of the public with relevant information to come forward and assist authorities in their investigation into the alleged abuse, neglect, and sexual misconduct at the charity homes run by the company.
“Former followers of GISB who have had similar experiences or possess information are urged to come forward. We will also engage with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) regarding the activities and investigation of GISB,” he added.
Yesterday, PDRM arrested 24 key individuals linked to GISB, including the company’s top management, during operations in Kedah and the capital under Op Global, bringing the total detainees to 31.
On September 11, Bukit Aman CID raided 20 charity homes associated with GISB in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, rescuing 392 minors aged between one and 17.
Health screenings of 392 of the rescued children revealed they had suffered physical and emotional abuse, with 13 of them likely to have been sodomized.
The children are also suspected of being exploited for labour and forced to sell products.
To date, four GISB members have been charged; three for sexual crimes against children and one for criminal intimidation against a former member who lodged a police report against the company. – September 20, 2024