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Agence France-Presse

Malaysian police said they have arrested hundreds of suspects as part of an investigation into child abuse at care homes run by an Islamic conglomerate.
In what is believed to be the worst such case to hit the country in decades, police said on Saturday they had arrested 355 people, including religious studies teachers and carers, and rescued more than 400 children.
At the heart of the investigation is the Global Ikhwan Service and Business (GISB) group, which has long been controversial for its links to the banned Al-Arqam sect.
Police said they had arrested GISB leader Nasiruddin Ali along with 30 other members of the group after carrying out raids on scores of premises, including charity homes, businesses and religious schools.
On Tuesday, Malaysia’s police chief Razarudin Husain said authorities had frozen 96 accounts linked to the group containing around US$124,000 and seized eight vehicles.
GISB initially denied the allegations, insisting they did not run the care homes searched in the states of Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.
But in a video posted to the company’s Facebook page last week, chief executive Nasiruddin acknowledged “one or two sodomy cases” took place at the shelters, while denying allegations of widespread abuse.
Medical screenings show that at least 13 children suffered sexual abuse, Razarudin has said.
The case has sparked concerns about the welfare of children in care facilities and the regulation of charitable organisations in Malaysia.
The Al-Arqam sect was banned by the authorities in 1994 for deviant teachings, while GISB members had in 2011 set up an “Obedient Wives Club” that called on women to be “whores in bed” to stop their husbands from straying.
According to its website, GISB says it is an Islamic company that runs businesses from supermarkets to restaurants, and operates in several countries including Indonesia, France and the United Kingdom.
Religious authorities in Selangor state have said they are closely monitoring GISB’s activities.
Police believe the 402 minors in the care homes were all children of GISB members, according to Razarudin.


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Malaysia

Malaysia arrests hundreds of suspects in child sex abuse tied to Islamic firm GISB

Three members of GISBH escorted by Malaysian police officers depart after facing charges at a court in Seremban on September 19. Photo: EPA-EFE

Malaysian police arrest CEO of company accused in child sex abuse scandal

Three members of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) escorted by Royal Malaysian Police officers depart after facing charges at a court in Seremban, Malaysia, on September 19. Photo: EPA-EFE

A man linked to Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holdings (GISB) covers his face as he is escorted by police officers after being charged in a court in Putrajaya on September 18. Photo: Reuters

Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) headquarters at Rawang, Malaysia. Photo: Reuters

Malaysian firm linked to Islamic sect denies allegations of child sex abuse

Malaysian police on Wednesday said they rescued 402 boys and girls, aged between one and 17, after they received reports of abuse involving the group that operated the shelters. Photo: Shutterstock

A screen capture of GISBH’s Ikhwan Business Centre in Selangor, Malaysia. Photo: YouTube/IkhwanTV Official

Ashaari Mohamad, former leader of the banned Malaysian Islamic sect Al Arqam, in June 1996. Photo: AP

Malaysian police rescue over 400 children from alleged sex abuse linked to banned sect

Malaysian police said the victims were rescued after they received reports of abuse involving the group that operated the shelters. Photo: Shutterstock

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Police said they had arrested 355 people, including religious teachers, and rescued more than 400 children from care homes run by the group


Police said they had arrested 355 people, including religious teachers, and rescued more than 400 children from care homes run by the group.


Sexual harassment and assault

Crime

Malaysia arrests hundreds of suspects in child sex abuse tied to Islamic firm GISB

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Police said they had arrested 355 people, including religious teachers, and rescued more than 400 children from care homes run by the group

Police said they had arrested 355 people, including religious teachers, and rescued more than 400 children from care homes run by the group