The Shocking Truth: Islamic Business Group Linked to Child Abuse Scandal - Exclusive Report by Rozanna Latiff and Danial Azhar
Malaysian police are set to summon top management of Islamic conglomerate Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) after children rescued from charity homes allegedly run by the firm showed signs of sexual and physical assault.
During raids on 20 premises, 402 children and youths were rescued, with many displaying injuries and emotional trauma. Some were disabled or sick, and 13 had been sodomised.
The case has caused outrage in Malaysia, with questions raised about why action wasn't taken earlier despite complaints dating back to 2011.
Of the 171 people arrested, 159 are in custody, including four men and one woman being investigated for sodomy cases. GISB, linked to a banned Islamic sect, operates in 20 countries with businesses ranging from supermarkets to laundromats.
Authorities are expanding the probe to include cheating and money laundering, urging victims to come forward. The minors, mostly third or fourth generation GISB members, were abandoned by parents who worked for the company.
392 children held in police facilities have been screened, with those needing special care transferred to welfare and health departments. The investigation could lead to further arrests and raids.