Islamic Business Group Faces Serious Charges Amidst Child Abuse Scandal

Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings faces charges of organized crime, including sexual abuse, human trafficking, and money laundering. CEO Nasiruddin Mohamad Ali and his wife were detained. Rescued children were allegedly abused in welfare homes linked to the group. Authorities have frozen related bank accounts.

In a shocking development, twenty-two members of an Islamic business group, including the CEO, have been charged with being part of an organized crime group. This follows the rescue of hundreds of children who were believed to have been sexually abused in welfare homes tied to the group.

Among those detained is Nasiruddin Mohamad Ali, CEO of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB), along with his wife Azura Mohamad Yusof. The couple was taken into custody last month as the police investigation expanded to encompass human trafficking and money laundering. Authorities are also probing GISB's connections to the banned Islamic cult Al Arqam.

The detained individuals, including a son of Al Arqam's founder Ashaari Mohamad, face charges that could lead to sentences of up to 20 years in jail. Defense lawyer Rosli Kamaruddin confirmed that no pleas have been recorded as the case awaits transfer to a higher court. Meanwhile, calls for better protection and monitoring of childcare centers have intensified following the case.

(With inputs from agencies.)