OP GLOBAL: CHRONOLOGY OF GISBH CASE AS OF SEPT 25

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- The Op Global implemented to combat child exploitation activities and allegations of religious fanaticism linked to GlSB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) has now entered phase four.

Since the first phase of Op Global, which started at the beginning of September, over 300 individuals, including the top management of GISBH, were arrested, 572 victims were rescued, and seven suspects were charged in court with 29 charges.

Here is the updated chronology of the case from Sept 22 to 25:

Sept 22

Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) director-general Datin Hakimah Mohd Yusoff said the results of the seizure of Op Global under phase four by the authorities, including JAKIM, can be used as supporting evidence to determine the faith status of GISBH followers.

She said the relevant evidence will be used as a basis for a report, which will be discussed and decided in the Muzakarah Committee of the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) from Sept 24 to 26.

In Selangor, 29 individuals aged 19 and 62 linked to GISBH were remanded from one to seven days to assist in the investigation. They were detained at the centralised lock-up of the District Police Headquarters (IPD) Shah Alam, Subang Jaya, and Petaling Jaya.

In Negeri Sembilan, the Syariah Lower Court allowed a bail bond application by the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS) against the chairman and principal of a madrasah in Kuala Pilah, believed to be linked to GISBH.

In Perlis, the Perlis Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIPs) director Najmuddin Abdul Karim said 63 items related to deviant teachings were confiscated in a concerted operation at two premises believed to be linked to GISBH around the state on Sept 21.

Sept 23

The police investigation found that GISBH members are still practising Tarekat Aurad Muhammadiyah of the banned group, Al-Arqam, following the discovery of pamphlets and books on premises owned by GISBH.

In the fourth phase of Op Global on Sept 21, strands of beard hair stored in a special container were among the items seized in addition to 455 leaflets and logos related to the teachings of Al-Arqam.

So far, 138 GISBH-related accounts involving money amounting to RM882,795.94 have been frozen, 15 accounts have been closed, 22 cars of various types estimated to be worth RM1,872,085.00 have been seized, and 14 real estate lots whose value is still under investigation have been frozen.

Meanwhile, 16 cars of various types worth RM2,078,000, 26 animals, including nine horses, 14 rabbits, and three peacocks, and RM18,650 in cash have also been seized.

In addition, the Ministry of Education (MOE) will take over the education aspects of over 300 children rescued in Op Global from Oct 1.

Sept 24

In Negeri Sembilan, the Seremban City Council (MBS) seized several business items from restaurants allegedly linked to the company in Seremban 2 after being found to have committed various offences, including not having a business licence and modifying the premises without permission.

In the meantime, the issue also received the attention of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who ordered that further action, including the legal process related to GISBH, be expedited.

Sept 25

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said 34 individuals linked to GISBH completed their remand period and will be detained further under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA).

He said police had also obtained a remand extension against 24 members of GISBH, including the organisation's top management, to assist in investigations under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM) for four days starting Sept 26.

Meanwhile, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) would remove any GISBH-related content, including viral songs, if instructed by the police.

In Selangor, the Shah Alam Magistrate's Court allowed the police's request to extend the detention of 24 individuals, including senior GISBH leaders, for four days, until Sept 28, to assist in the investigation. Meanwhile, the application for bail for 22 women believed to be members of GISBH was dismissed.

In the meantime, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) has ordered the closure of eight private Islamic schools identified as having links with GISBH in the state.

In Kelantan, four individuals aged between 15 and 45 allegedly linked to GISBH were remanded for three days starting today at the Kota Bharu Court Complex here to assist in the investigation under Section 8(2) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

-- BERNAMA