KUALA LUMPUR: More than RM1.35 million in funds linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) has been frozen by police.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain today said police's Anti-Money Laundering Unit had frozen 205 accounts involving RM1,358,020.37 and an account with US$1,344.26.
"We also have frozen 31 vehicles, including cars and buses, and 19 plots of land. We are evaluating the value of these assets.
"These assets were frozen under Section 44(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001."
Razarudin said police also seized 19 cars and a lorry, RM230,000 worth of animals, RM16,850 in cash and two watches worth RM600.
On claims that children were not being allowed to go back to their families, Razarudin said the courts had granted the Welfare Department authority on this matter via a temporary custody order.
"This was to facilitate children — suspected of being neglected, abused or abandoned — being placed at shelters.
"They will be placed there until an investigation is carried out by the Attorney- General's Chambers."
He said the parents and guardians of these children were also considered as suspects.
Last month, police rescued 402 people, some as young as 1, from GISB-linked welfare homes who had allegedly endured exploitation and abuse, including being sodomised.
GISB has denied allegations of child exploitation and sexual abuse.