KUALA LUMPUR – Police have re-arrested the 31-year-old man suspected of kidnapping six-year-old Albertine Leo Jia Hui from a shopping centre in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.
The suspect was detained again following the discovery of sex toys, pornography, and items associated with child sexual abuse at his residence in Kulai, Johor, according to a police statement.
Johor police chief M. Kumar said that the suspect will be investigated under Section 10 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 for accessing or possessing child sexual abuse materials. This offence carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to RM10,000, or both.
Additionally, the suspect is being investigated under Section 292 of the Penal Code for possessing pornographic materials, punishable by a prison sentence of up to three years, a fine, or both.
Police urged parents to remain vigilant about the increasing trend of kidnappings and to educate their children on safe social media practices.
The suspect had previously been held on remand, which expired on July 29. Police had sought an extension to the remand period.
A total of five individuals were initially arrested for investigation, including the suspect, however, four were released on police bail on July 26.
Albertine went missing on July 20 while attending a Bon Odori festival event with her family at a shopping mall in the Eco Galleria business centre in Iskandar Puteri.
On July 23, the girl was found in a budget hotel in Batang Kali, Selangor, with the suspect.
The suspect was subsequently brought back to Johor for further investigation. – August 4, 2024