IGP: Probe launched into GISB kids being shown extremist videos
KUALA LUMPUR: Investigations are underway on the possibility that the children rescued from care homes linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) had been exposed to militant teachings, says Tan Sri Razarudin Husain (pic).
The Inspector-General of Police said an investigation was launched following allegations that the children were shown militant-themed videos at the care homes.
He said although initially the police operations against GISB did not touch on militant teachings, the investigations are now heading in that direction.
“We do know that the children were also shown videos of their leader ‘Abuya’ at the care homes,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Al-Arqam was established by Ashaari Mohammad, also known as Abuya in 1968. The organisation was banned in 1994 but was said to have rebranded itself, first as Rufaqa Corporation and later as GISB.
Previously, Selangor Islamic affairs and innovation development committee chairman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah said that “jihad militant” teachings were being spread to the children who watched the videos at the homes during their free time.
In an operation codenamed Ops Global, 625 people were rescued from GISB care homes last month.
A total of 58 people, including the GISB chief executive officer, have been held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma).
Thirty-five other GISB members are still under remand while 273 people have been released on police bail.
A total of 37 others have been released unconditionally and two were handed over to the Kedah Islamic Affairs Department. Another one was handed over to the Immigration Department for deportation.
A total of 97 investigation papers were opened in the course of the operation since Sept 11.
Bukit Aman believes GISB has at least 23 assets overseas worth about RM52.4mil. So far, GISB’s assets worth RM19mil have been frozen and seized.
The seizure and freezing of assets were done under Section 44(1) and 45(2) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act.
