KUALA LUMPUR: The Op Global probe into Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) may lead to action under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma), says the country's top cop.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the police were conducting a thorough and careful investigation into the company.
"We are utilising all applicable laws to probe the alleged offences uncovered so far in Op Global. We estimate the company has at least 10,000 members," he told reporters today.
Razarudin added that the ongoing investigation had uncovered the company's adherence to certain teachings originally initiated by Al-Arqam founder, Ashaari Muhammad.
"I cannot offer much on deviant teachings as that is under the purview of the Islamic Development Department (Jakim). However, as for the police action, we are investigating offences under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, the Child Act, Anti-Trafficking In Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Act, as well as the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
"Back when the Al-Arqam and its teachings were banned, some of these laws were not in place which left room for the GISBH to form itself in its place," he said, adding that now, while the Internal Security Act had been abolished, there were other laws in place that could be used.
Razarudin said they could use Sosma if offences uncovered under Op Global justified the use of the law.
"We do not want to just take action against the group now, only for it to form again," he said.
GISBH has been at the centre of police investigations after raids on Sept 11 on 20 welfare homes allegedly operated by them led to 402 children being rescued.
Subsequent screenings of the children revealed many of them suffered physical and emotional injuries. During investigations, police also revealed that 13 of the children had also been sodomised.
GISB has since denied the allegations of child exploitation and sexual abuse.