KUALA LUMPUR – Police have rescued another 186 victims following raids on 82 premises linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB Holdings) today, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
The rescued individuals include 102 men, 84 women, and a child who was seen being caned by a man, believed to be a member of GISB Holdings, in a viral video.
“The raids, which were carried out under phase four of a major operation dubbed ‘Op Global,’ focused on all states in Peninsular Malaysia and aimed to find remaining members,” Razarudin said in a statement today.
The operation also led to the arrest of 155 suspects, comprising 78 men and 77 women, following raids on GISB Holdings-linked charity homes, clinics, business premises, religious schools, and private residences.
According to Razarudin, all detainees are being investigated under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001 for offences including child abuse, neglect, and abandonment, as well as Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2022 (Atipsom), relating to child trafficking.
“During the operation, we found that some of the raided premises had been vacated, believed to be due to members fleeing.
“We once again urge any individuals who were previously victims or anyone with information related to this case to come forward and lodge a report at any police station, so that investigations can be conducted thoroughly,” Razarudin added.
A total of 3,801 personnel were involved in the operation, including 2,528 police officers and 1,273 staff from other government agencies.
These agencies included the Health Ministry, the Public Welfare Department, the Islamic Development Department, the Chemistry Department, and the National Registration Department.
Earlier today, Razarudin announced the arrest of an additional 31 GISB Holdings members, suspected of involvement in human trafficking activities last Wednesday.
He stated that of the 31 individuals, 17 held positions within the organisation. The arrests were made in Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan, and Kedah near the Thai border.
The 31 suspects have been remanded for seven days while investigations are carried out under Section 12 of the Atipsom Act for human trafficking offences. — September 21, 2024