KUALA LUMPUR: Police could rely on the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) in their continued probe into Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB), which may have had 10,000 members nationwide, says the Inspector-General of Police.
Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the police will also use the relevant laws to ensure that their probe, which is being done in stages, is thorough and transparent.
“There are several things that must be explained.
“For the police, we will investigate using relevant laws for various offences, including offences against children, as well as human trafficking.
“For offences involving akidah (faith), Jakim (the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia) will manage it while the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) will ascertain whether the akidah adheres to Islamic teachings.
“For Sosma, we are working towards that direction,” Razarudin told a press conference at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) here yesterday.
The IGP also refuted allegations that the police had been overzealous in taking action against GISB, adding that the action was based on the relevant laws.
“This is to ensure that we can gather evidence and statements pertaining to the investigations.
“I am not affected (by negative comments) as we have been careful in taking action by going through the case in stages,” he said, adding that investigations involving GISB started in 2011.
“We gathered as much information as possible. The subsequent raids and other actions were based on actionable intelligence.
“We have to be thorough as we don’t want such an organisation to regain its ground and start again under a new name,” Razarudin said.
In the Ops Global raids conducted on Saturday, he said a total of 138 bank accounts totalling RM882,795 belonging to GISB were frozen under Section 44(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
“Fifteen other accounts have been closed. It is part of our investigations under Ops Global,” he added.
Police also seized 38 cars believed to be worth RM3.8mil along with 14 land lots.
“Some 26 animals – nine horses, 14 rabbits and three peacocks – were also seized.
“Two watches worth RM600 and RM18,650 in cash were seized as well,” Razarudin said.
Various other items confiscated included 455 books, wiring and logos along with 90 mobile phones and 16 computers, he added.
“The seized books and writings have been referred to Jakim and there were elements of Aurad Muhammadiah teachings, which have been prohibited and against Islamic teachings, as well as Al-Arqam, declared deviant in 1994.
“Based on intelligence and statements gathered, we believe GISB members are still practising the teachings based on Abuya books and other items seized.
“However, I cannot comment further as this falls under Jakim and MKI,” he said, adding that a total of 35 investigation papers have been opened since Sept 11.
The IGP said Saturday’s raids found the premises empty and GISB members are believed to have fled.
“We are concerned for their well-being and urge them to come forward so that proper aid can be given, especially to the children,” he said.
Razarudin also urged those who have been victims or have information to come forward as soon as possible.
“We also remind the public not to raise speculation that could jeopardise ongoing investigations,” he said.
