Global Ikhwan child abuse scandal

[4][11] The initial toll of children rescued was 402, in which was 201 boys and 201 girls aged between one and 17 years old, in addition 171 suspects including teachers and wardens were remanded.

[11] Health screenings conducted on 384 of the rescued children reportedly revealed physical injuries and signs of sexual abuse, with 13 cases of suspected sodomy.

[19][20] On 17 September 2024, the police later froze 96 bank accounts held by GISB with a total of RM581,552 under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA).

'[23] On 19 September 2024, GISB issued a revised press release featuring its chief executive officer, Nasiruddin Mohd Ali, acknowledging isolated cases of sodomy among the children, but continuing to deny allegations of human trafficking.

[36][37] In Bandar Country Homes, Rawang, the headquarters of GISB, the Selayang Municipal Council and Federal Reserve Unit conducted raids on GISB-owned business premises and confiscated all assets belonging to the company.

[38][39] During the operation, the police seized 455 pamphlets and related logos, which were handed over to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), along with strands of beard that were among the confiscated items.

[48] On 25 September 2024, 34 GISB members were re-arrested under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) after their remand period ended, while 127 others were released on bail.

[49] On 10 October 2024, an additional 16 senior GISB members, including the CEO and his wife, were re-arrested as part of an organised crime investigation, bringing the total number of detainees under SOSMA to 58.

[50] The investigation, which also covers organised crime under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code and offences under AMLA, remains ongoing with support from Interpol and international authorities.

[51] On 30 October 2024, GISB CEO Nasiruddin Mohd Ali and his wife Azura Md Yusof filed a habeas corpus application challenging their detention under SOSMA.

[53] They claimed that the separation of children from their families during the police operation violated legal protocols, including those outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

[53] On 11 October 2024, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail responded to the claims, defending the actions of the police and Social Welfare Department.

[55] According to GPAAK spokesperson Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, many of the parents involved had no affiliation with GISB and claimed the authorities had committed human rights violations, including unlawful detentions and coercion.

[56] GPAAK called for a judicial review of the extended detention orders, transparency on the children's whereabouts, and the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate the execution of Operation Global.

[59] On 15 October 2024, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail defended using SOSMA in the GISB case, citing serious allegations such as human trafficking and noting that investigations had extended to 18 foreign countries, where GISB-owned properties were identified.

[63] On 17 October 2024, in response to a parliamentary query the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that no solid evidence has been found linking government officials or political leaders to GISB Holdings.

[64] On 24 October 2024, during the debate on the 2025 Malaysian Budget, Takiyuddin Hassan questioned the use of SOSMA concerning GISB members, who were charged with involvement in organised crime.

In response, RSN Rayer offered pro bono legal representation to the detained GISB members and voiced his opposition to the use of SOSMA in this case.

[69] This followed comments by Selangor Islamic Affairs and Innovation Development Committee chairman Dr. Mohammad Fahmi Ngah, who suggested that the children may have been exposed to these videos during their time at the homes.

To aid individuals affected by GISB’s practices, Penang has established the Darul Hidayah Complex as a faith recovery center, pending formal gazettement following royal consent.

[81][82][83] Sabah, through its Islamic Affairs Coordination Committee (JaPHEIS), and the Sarawak police, closely monitored the activities of GISB in their respective states following the scandal.

[95] On 12 September 2024, a 19-year-old was charged in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, with four counts of physical abuse involving girls aged five to six at a childcare center affiliated with GISB in Rasah.

[20][96] On 18 September 2024, a GISB member was charged with criminal intimidation after allegedly threatening a woman in a Putrajaya car park to withdraw a police report filed against him.

[97][98] On 19 September 2024, three GISB madrasah teaching assistants were charged with 14 counts of sexual assault involving five children in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.

[101] On 26 September 2024, Barur Rahim Hisam, a caretaker at a GISB children's home, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to four charges relating to child abuse.

Two of them faced four counts of human trafficking involving three women and one man, allegedly for forced labour between August 2023 and October 2024 at Ikhwan Resort in Bandar Penawar.

[112][113][114] On 23 October 2024 these individuals were formally charged, and their trial is scheduled to take place at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, with the next mention date set for 23 December 2024.

[121] The police also froze 153 bank accounts worth RM882,795.94 and seized 22 motorcars of various types, 14 land parcels, 455 copies of publishing material and logos, 90 mobile phones, 16 computers, 26 animals (including nine horses, 14 rabbits, and three peacocks), 13 vehicles, two necklaces, and over RM18,000 in cash during the operation.

[122] The Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Melaka, upon receiving advice from the Chief Minister, revoked GISB's CEO Nasiruddin Mohd Ali's Datukship.

[123][124] On 23 September 2024, the Perlis Mufti, Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, who speaks actively about GISB and its alleged wrongdoings, was threatened via WhatsApp by an unknown number.

Books seized by the Kelantan Islamic Religious Affairs Department officers at Nasiruddin's residence.
Shopfront of a GISB-owned cafeteria ("Ikhwan Cafe") in Krubong , Melaka
Bukit Aman CID briefing the press while wearing the Op Global patch on their left arm.
Minors working in a GISB noodle factory. (GISB picture)