KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has arrested more than 300 suspects as part of an investigation into child abuse at care homes operated by a religious conglomerate.
Believed to be the worst such case to hit the country in decades, Malaysian police have arrested 355 people, including religious studies teachers and caregivers, and rescued more than 400 children.
The investigation centers on the Global Ikhwan Service and Business (GISB) group, which has long been controversial for its links to the banned Al-Arqam sect.
Police say they arrested GISB leader Nasiruddin Ali along with 30 other members of the group after raiding dozens of premises, including charity homes, businesses and religious schools.
Earlier this week, the country's police chief, Razarudin Husain, said authorities had frozen 96 accounts linked to the group containing about $124,000 and seized eight vehicles.
GISB initially denied the allegations, insisting that it did not run the registered care homes in the states of Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.
But in a video posted on the company's Facebook page last week, CEO Nasiruddin acknowledged that “one or two cases of sodomy” took place at the shelters, though he denied allegations of widespread abuse.
Medical examinations show that at least 13 children were sexually abused, Husain said.
The case has raised concerns about the welfare of children in care and the regulation of charities in Malaysia.
The Al-Arqam sect was banned by authorities in 1994 for its deviant teachings, while GISB members created an “Obedient Wives Club” in 2011 calling on women to prevent their husbands from straying from their path.
According to its website, GISB says it runs businesses ranging from supermarkets to restaurants and operates in several countries including Indonesia, France and the United Kingdom.
Religious authorities in Selangor state have said they are closely monitoring the activities of the GISB.
Police believe the 402 children in foster homes were all children of GISB members, Husain said.
