In a major crackdown on human trafficking and child abuse, Malaysian authorities rescued over 400 victims, including minors, suspected of being abused at charity homes managed by Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB).
Story Summary:
- Malaysian authorities rescued more than 400 victims suspected of abuse from charity homes run by Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB), with ties to the banned Al-Arqam sect.
- The raid led to the arrest of 171 adults, including religious teachers, as part of a sting operation.
- Victims, including 201 boys and 201 girls, were subjected to neglect and abuse at these homes.
- Police are investigating GISB under child protection and human trafficking laws.
Malaysia police crack down on GISB in major trafficking operation
According to reports, the coordinated sting operation was conducted across two states, leading to the arrest of 171 adults, including ‘ustazs’ (Islamic religious teachers), according to Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain.
The raids targeted 20 premises linked to GISB, a business organisation that operates in multiple countries, including Indonesia, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
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GISB has known ties to the now-defunct Malaysia-based Al-Arqam sect, which was banned in 1994.
“Those rescued included 201 boys and 201 girls, aged between one and 17,” Razarudin said at a press conference.
He further revealed that reports of sexual abuse, neglect, and harassment had led to the investigation, although the identity of those filing the reports was not disclosed.
The victims were reportedly sent to these homes shortly after birth, where they were subjected to abuse by adult guardians and taught to mistreat others.
Al-Arqam’s controversial past
The now-defunct Al-Arqam religious sect, once a highly influential movement in Malaysia, was banned by the government in 1994.
The group’s teachings were deemed a threat to national unity, and its leader, Ashaari Muhammad, was arrested under Malaysia’s Internal Security Act.
Al-Arqam was known for promoting a strict, puritanical form of Islam and had amassed significant political and social influence before its dissolution.
GISB, which has acknowledged its past association with Al-Arqam, describes itself today as an Islamic conglomerate adhering to Muslim practices.
However, its recent legal troubles, including its ties to child abuse and trafficking, have raised concerns about its operations.
The police investigation also revealed that the children had been exploited to generate sympathy and funds for the organisation.
