KUALA LUMPUR: Seven individuals believed to be Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) Remaja Pembela Ummah members have been arrested in connection with alleged human trafficking violations.
It was 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 today morning in Kelantan and Pahang. We believe the seven are Remaja Pembela Ummah members," he said when contacted today.
He said the raids were conducted by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department.
"The seven men have been remanded until Sept 26 to assist with investigations. Interrogations were conducted on all the suspects, who have been placed at the Shah Alam centralised lock-up," he said.
According to its Facebook page, the Remaja Pembela Ummah consists of teenagers and youths who practise Islam as a way of life. They also claimed to be friends with all levels of society, domestically and abroad and conducted various activities.
Razarudin urged anyone with information on abuse, neglect and sexual offences involving the welfare homes run by the company to come forward.
"Any former members of the company who have experienced such things or have information on abuse, neglect or sexual offences at the homes must come forward and help us.
"We will also be holding a discussion with the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) on the company's activities," he said.
GISBH has been at the centre of police investigations after raids last Wednesday on 20 welfare homes allegedly operated by them led to 402 children being rescued.
Subsequent screenings of the children revealed many of them suffered physical and emotional injuries. Following investigations, police revealed that 13 of the children had also been sodomised.
GISB has since denied the allegations of child exploitation and sexual abuse.