PETALING JAYA: Seventeen Jordanian children believed to be victims of human trafficking were rescued in Ops Pintas Kasih conducted by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Division (D3) on Wednesday (Aug 19).
The integrated operation was carried out with the Technical Assistance Division (D6) and the Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7) of the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department.
Bukit Aman CID director Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the operation was aimed at curbing human trafficking and the exploitation of children for begging, particularly involving West Asian nationals in Kuala Lumpur.
"The operation was also conducted with the cooperation of the National Strategic Office of the Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (NSO MAPO), Home Ministry and Kuala Lumpur Social Welfare Department (JKM).
"Seven raids were conducted at roadside areas while another six were carried out at accommodation premises around Bukit Bintang and Chow Kit," he said in a statement on Thursday (Aug 20).
Comm Kumar said police rescued 17 Jordanian children under Section 44 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, comprising eight boys and nine girls aged between three months and 14 years.
"Police also arrested 15 individuals, comprising seven men and eight women aged between 21 and 49, who are believed to be Jordanian based on the identity documents seized.
"All of them were detained to assist investigations into the offence of trafficking children for exploitation. Five of those arrested failed to produce valid travel documents," he said.
Police also seized 14 mobile phones, 32 Jordanian passports, four baby strollers and cash in various currencies amounting to RM24,445, US$100, 100 euros and 635,000 rupiah.
"Preliminary investigations found that the group entered Malaysia legally using social visit passes, which allowed them to remain in the country for 90 days.
"The group is believed to have brought the children to beg around Kuala Lumpur, with daily collections estimated at between RM500 and RM1,000.
"Further investigations are being conducted to determine whether there are any family ties between the victims and those detained," he said.
Comm Kumar said the group was believed to be a syndicate masterminded by Jordanian nationals.
"All those arrested were taken to the Dang Wangi police headquarters for further investigation under several laws.
"These include Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, which covers trafficking children or persons incapable of caring for or protecting themselves fully for exploitation.
"Investigations are also being conducted under Section 32(A) of the Child Act 2001 for causing or allowing children to be in any street, premises or place for the purpose of begging," he said.
He said the five individuals who failed to produce valid travel documents were also being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
"Section 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963 is also being investigated for offences involving violations of the conditions of passes, permits or border passes, including the misuse of social visit passes to work," he said.
