Possible exposure of the fighter | Star

On By Yukito

IGP: An investigation has been launched into the showing of extremist videos to children from GISB

KUALA LUMPUR: An investigation is underway into the possibility that children rescued from care homes linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) were exposed to militant teachings, says Tan Sri Razarudin Husain (photo).

The Inspector General of Police said an investigation had been launched into allegations that children in care homes were shown combat-themed films.

He said that while police action against GISB was initially not related to the militants’ teachings, the investigation was now moving in that direction.

“We know that children in care homes were also shown videos of their leader ‘Abuya’,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Al-Arqam was founded by Ashaari Mohammad, also known as Abuya, in 1968. The organization was banned in 1994, but reportedly changed its name, first to Rufaqa Corporation and later to GISB.

Earlier, Selangor Islam and Innovation Development Committee chairman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah said children who watched films at home in their free time were taught the teachings of “jihadi fighters”.

Last month, an operation codenamed Ops Global rescued 625 people from GISB nursing homes.

A total of 58 people, including the chief executive of GISB, were detained under the Security Crimes (Special Measures) Act (Sosma).

Thirty-five other GISB members remain in custody and 273 people have been released on police bail.

A total of 37 others were released unconditionally and two were handed over to the Kedah Department of Islamic Affairs. Another was handed over to the Immigration Office for deportation.

A total of 97 investigative documents have been initiated during operations since 9/11.

Bukit Aman believes GISB has at least 23 overseas assets worth about RM52.4 million. To date, GISB assets worth RM19 million have been frozen and confiscated.

The seizure and freezing of assets was made pursuant to Art. 44 section 1 and art. 45 section 2 of the Act on counteracting money laundering, terrorism financing and income from illegal activities.