KOTA BARU: Police have confirmed that a Kelantanese man was among seven suspected members of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings' (GISBH) Remaja Pembela Ummah, who were arrested here today and yesterday (Sept 19).
Acting Kelantan police chief Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohd Ali Tamby said the man was arrested by policemen from Bukit Aman.
"I can only confirm the arrest of a man which was made by a police team from Bukit Aman.
"He was the first suspect detained in Kelantan related with GISBH case," he said.
It is learnt that the 32-year-old suspect was arrested in Kampung Panchor here at 1am.
The man was also believed to be involved in human trafficking.
It was reported today (Sept 20) that seven individuals believed to be GISBH Remaja Pembela Ummah members had been arrested over alleged human trafficking violations.
It is learnt that the son of al-Arqam founder Ashaari Muhammad was among the seven arrested.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the seven were aged between 32 and 35.
"They were arrested following four separate raids spanning last night and early this morning in Kelantan and Pahang. We believe the seven are Remaja Pembela Ummah members."
He said the raids were conducted by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department. Razarudin added that the seven men had been remanded until Sept 26.
GISBH had been at the centre of police investigations after raids on 20 welfare homes last Wednesday allegedly operated by them had led to the rescue of 402 children.
Subsequent screenings found many of the children had suffered physical and emotional abuse. Following investigations, police revealed that 13 of them had been sodomised.
GISB has since denied the allegations of child exploitation and sexual abuse.