Police Investigate GISB Holdings’ Overseas Assets Worth Over RM52 Million
Introduction
Police have begun investigating GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) assets overseas, worth at over RM52 million, after identifying 23 properties in 10 countries. The investigation is ongoing, and police are seeking assistance from Interpol and regional partners to gather more information.
Investigative Efforts
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said police are still waiting for responses from nine other countries where it is believed GISBH were conducting operations. The 19 countries involved are located in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
"We are also seeking the assistance of Interpol and regional partners. We have received information that there are three premises in a country that have stopped operating with signages already removed. and even the windows and doors have been covered with black plastic," he said in a media conference.
"We have not yet received information about their members in that country so that is the next investigation we will organise."
Freezing and Seizing Assets
Regarding the investigation into GISBH’s assets and properties in the country, police have implemented freezing and seizing various properties, worth RM17,045,095.40 and RM2,862,450 respectively.
The freezing action was carried out in accordance with Section 44(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001, while the seizure was carried out in accordance with Section 45(2) of the same act, making the total amount of freezing and seizure at RM19,907,545.40.
Call for Transparency
Mohd Shuhaily emphasized the transparency of the investigation, which involves a detailed legal process carried out by the police and judicial system. He noted that it is not appropriate to compare the action against GISBH with actions against a religious movement in 1994.
"In 1994, we had a preventive law where we did not have to go to the judicial system. Now all arrests are brought into the open legal system; search for evidence, (arrests) must be brought before a magistrate to obtain a further detention order, and so on," he said.
"These procedures are very transparent, and the police enforce the law with provisions that are indeed provided for us to enforce," he added.
Response to Criticisms
Mohd Shuhaily addressed former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s opinion in an interview that police action against GISBH is too harsh.
"There is evidence as stated by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain that GISBH’s business is facilitated by the understanding of the Aurad Muhammadiah order, which had been declared as heresy before," he said.
"The legal process is maturing, and I hope the public will understand this process more. The police will continue the investigation, and it is our full responsibility to find evidence to bring to the Public Prosecutor who will study and recommend the next course of action," he added.
Conclusion
The investigation into GISBH’s activities is ongoing, and police are working to gather more information to bring to the Public Prosecutor. The process may be lengthy, but it is crucial to ensuring that justice is served and the rule of law is upheld.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the scope of the investigation into GISBH’s assets overseas?
A: The scope of the investigation is into properties worth over RM52 million in 10 countries.
Q: How many countries are involved in the investigation?
A: 19 countries, located in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Q: What is the legal basis for the freezing and seizing of assets?
A: The freezing action was carried out in accordance with Section 44(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001, while the seizure was carried out in accordance with Section 45(2) of the same act.