Report: Sirul detained in Australia

PETALING JAYA: Sirul Azhar Umar (pic), convicted of murdering Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu, was detained in Queensland, according to an Australian Broadcasting Corporation report.

The report said Sirul, 43, was taken into custody by immigration officials in Brisbane overnight after an Interpol red notice was issued.

It added that an immigration department spokesperson confirmed that an “unlawful non-citizen” had been detained in Brisbane and that the department was aware of Malaysia’s interest in the case.

Sirul is believed to have gone to Australia in October.

He was sentenced to death last week together with his former Special Action Unit (UTK) colleague Azilah Hadri, 38, for the murder in Oct 2006.