IGP announces raids on GISBH have resulted in 200 arrests

KUALA LUMPUR: Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain revealed that raids on GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) since last Wednesday have resulted in 200 arrests so far.

He said 31 suspects are members of the GISBH and have been remanded in custody for seven days to assist with investigations under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) Act 2007.

He added that 17 of the 31 suspects arrested in Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan and at the Malaysia-Thailand border in Kelantan and Kedah have been identified as holding senior positions within the organisation.

“Of the arrested suspects, 139 have had their pre-trial detention extended, while 23 have been released on police bail for specific reasons,” he said in a statement today.

Earlier, Bernama reported that police arrested seven members of the Remaja Pembela Ummah (RPU) under the company during raids at four different locations in Kelantan and Pahang, including the son of a former senior al-Arqam leader.

On Wednesday, it was reported that 24 key figures linked to GISBH, including top management, were arrested in Kedah and Kuala Lumpur.

Razarudin said the police have so far launched 37 investigations, including three in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, and one in Sungai Kapar, Selangor, under Section 14 of the ATIPSOM Act 2007.

“Eight of these investigations have resulted in successful indictments against seven suspects on 29 counts,” he said.

He revealed that all victims aged 18 and above have been handed over to their families, while victims below the age of 18 have been placed in the care of the Department of Social Welfare, under Section 25(2) of the Child Act 2001.

“The police remain committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the matter and the public is advised to refrain from speculating while it is ongoing.

“Anyone who has been a victim or has information about the case is urged to come forward and file a report at the nearest police station so that the investigation can be completed as fully and accurately as possible,” he added.

During the Op Global raid on September 11, police rescued 402 children and teenagers from 20 charities linked to GISBH in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, suspected of being victims of sexual abuse and labor exploitation.

The raid also revealed cases of neglect and abuse, with 171 people arrested, including 105 women.