From bank accounts, books and bling to tech equipment, real estate and peacocks: a laundry list of GISBH assets frozen, closed or seized by police

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 — Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain today presented an incredibly long list of assets said to belong to members or associates of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH), which are being investigated for child sexual exploitation, human trafficking and promoting Islamic deviation.

He said police have frozen 153 bank accounts with a total value of RM882,795.94 and closed 15 other accounts, out of a total of 183 accounts linked to the company.

He added that the accounts had been suspended under Section 44(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act, 2001 (AMLA).

“Twenty-two cars of various types, estimated to be worth around RM1.9 million, and 14 plots of land have been frozen,” he said at a press conference this afternoon.

He added that another 16 vehicles with a total value of RM2.08 million were seized under Section 45(2) of the AMLA.

He then listed 455 copies of published materials and logos, 90 mobile phones, 16 computers, 26 animals, 13 vehicles, two necklaces and cash worth over RM18,000 from the raids in Peninsular Malaysia in recent days, codenamed Op Global.

Razarudin said some of the seized goods have been handed over to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) for assessment.

Among the seized animals are nine horses, fourteen rabbits and three peacocks.

“PDRM is responsible for the food and water of those animals,” Razarudin said, using the Malaysian initials for the Royal Malaysia Police.

He said the police are cooperating with the Veterinary Services Department and local authorities and have given assurances that the animals will be treated well.

GISBH, which runs numerous businesses ranging from supermarkets to pharmacies, restaurants and animal slaughterhouses both nationally and internationally, has come under the spotlight after police uncovered a series of criminal activities linked to its top leaders, who are also alleged to be former members of a banned Islamic sect called al-Arqam.

In Melaka last week, police found 12 photographs of al-Arqam founder Ashaari Muhammad, 38 books related to al-Arqam that are banned in the state, including ‘Aurad Muhammadiyah’ and the ‘Zikir Aurad Muhammadiyah’ table (a diary documenting the teachings of al-Arqam), 33 CDs related to the teachings of al-Arqam and various electronic devices.

In Kelantan, authorities found dozens of books on the doctrines practiced by the organisation buried near three homes linked to GISBH’s top management and its CEO Datuk Nasiruddin Mohd Ali. The homes are believed to house about 30 people, including the leader’s second wife and more than 20 children in Kampung Panji, Kota Baru.

According to reports, some items were burned to destroy evidence and prevent confiscation.

In Penang, four properties, including two daycare centres linked to GISBH, were searched and six religious books were seized suspected of being linked to the banned Al-Arqam movement, which was banned by the National Fatwa Council in 1994.