GISB case: Ops Global based on facts and findings, not done blindly, says IGP

KUALA LUMPUR: Neglect, exploitation and abuse of children were among the suspected offences detected in Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) in the course of Ops Global, says the Inspector-General of Police.

As such, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said, every action taken by the authorities was not done blindly but based on facts and findings.

He said the offences were allegedly committed in furtherance of GISB’s goals as an organisation.

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“Our investigation was conducted based on reports and information received before further intelligence gathering was done.

“We conducted the investigation carefully, ensuring that action against GISB was taken transparently and thoroughly,” he said when contacted on Tuesday (Oct 15) for comment on a statement by parents group Gerakan Pulangkan Anak-Anak Kami (GPAAK), or Movement for the Return of our Children.

Its spokesman Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz claimed a Social Welfare Department officer had said there was “no case” involving children rescued in Ops Global.

It was reported earlier that about 100 parents have claimed through the group that their children had nothing to do with GISB and are calling for their return.

At least 560 of the 625 rescued children are in the care of the department, which obtained a two-month temporary custody order.

Razarudin said the police probe of GISB was conducted under such legislation as the Penal Code, Child Act 2001, Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 and Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.

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He added that Ops Global was also conducted in collaboration with other enforcement agencies.

“Through the investigation, we discovered various offences allegedly committed by them (GISB) such as not paying EPF or Socso, not registering care homes, and not paying salaries.

“I stress that the information obtained was not just based on police reports but from statements by (GISB) members who assisted the authorities in… exposing offences committed in the organisation.

“Not only that, videos also went viral showing elements of neglect and foul play at care homes under GISB,” he said.

Razarudin said the police action was to save those who were victimised and to detain and prosecute the ones responsible for the offences.

The GISB case is also being debated under a special motion in the Dewan Rakyat this week.