Police arrest seven members of GISBH Remaja Pembela Ummah group

KUALA LUMPUR — The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have arrested seven more people suspected of having links with Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) to assist in a human trafficking investigation.

Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain revealed that the suspects, aged between 32 and 35, are members of the Remaja Pembela Ummah (RPU) group of the GISBH.

“The Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) team made arrests at four locations from 11pm last night to 4.07am today. All suspects have been remanded in custody for seven days until September 26.

“Interrogations are still 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,” he said when contacted today.

The RPU claims to represent the youth within the GISBH enterprise, to practice Islam as a way of life and to connect with different local and international communities through various activities.

Razarudin appealed to former followers of GISBH and members of the public with relevant information to come forward and assist authorities in their investigation into alleged abuse, neglect and sexual misconduct at the charities run by the company.

“Former followers of GISBH who have had similar experiences or have information are urged to come forward. We will also contact the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) regarding GISBH’s activities and investigation,” he added.

Yesterday, PDRM arrested 24 key individuals linked to GISBH, including the company’s top management, during operations in Kedah and the capital under Op Global, bringing the total number of arrests to 31.

Last week, Bukit Aman CID raided 20 charities linked to GISBH in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, rescuing 392 children and youth aged between one and 17.

Health examinations of 392 of the rescued children revealed that they had been physically and emotionally abused. The children are also suspected of being exploited for labor, as they are forced to sell products.

Earlier this week, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, decided that PDRM must conduct a swift and thorough investigation into alleged criminal misconduct and child abuse linked to GISBH’s charities. — BERNAMA