They publicly led a global company, privately abused hundreds of children

They publicly led a global company, privately abused hundreds of children

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Millions of people worldwide enjoyed meals in the restaurants of a spacious conglomerate, which was supposedly committed to Islamic values by taking care of thousands of disadvantaged children who lived as orphans in homes across the country. However, the leaders of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) are now fighting against allegations that they have led a sect -like organization to forced members to work and get many children, some of whom were allegedly created by rape to collect orphanages with which they financed their luxurious lifestyle.

raid of the police and shock in the nation

When the Malaysian police searched around two dozen homes of the company in mid -September, over 600 children were saved. Since then, hundreds of people have been arrested, some of whom were charged with crimes such as human trafficking, sexual abuse and organized crimes. The GISBH lawyer, Rosli Kamaruddin, said that the group leaders intended to act against the allegations.

a decades of secrecy

In a month -long examination, CNN spoke to more than a dozen people, including former members, their lawyers and religious scientists to understand how Global Ikhwan and the alleged abuse they committed, the best -kept secret of Malaysias remained.

former supporters reported that they had no contact with the outside world or did not get any access to mobile phones. The only news source was an in -house television program that propagated the teachings of Al Arqam, an Islamic sect that was banned by the Malaysian government in the 90s due to "different" beliefs that deviated greatly from orthodox teachings. This story tells of the apparent resurrection of the sect - including its own prison islands and "sacred water", which was soaked with hair and bath water of the guide, which was reported by former members who also said that it was sprayed on products from their factories and on meals in their restaurants.

allegations and raids

The Royal Malaysia Police carried out a number of raids in dozens of nursing homes in September. As part of these raids, hundreds of children were saved, which, according to the police, were the descendants of the company's employees. In a press conference, police chief Razarudin Husain said that the children were “manipulated, malnourished and exploitation”. Health examinations of 392 children showed that all physical or emotional abuse had suffered.

The shattering life in the homes

The raids led to the closure of GISBH restaurants, grocery stores and laundry. The windows were darkened, logos were removed from the walls and social media accounts were switched off. Some members of the group fled back into their hometowns across Malaysia and were waiting for instructions from the group leaders regarding the further procedure, as relatives reported. In the houses of the GISBH leadership, the police discovered numerous books and photos that were connected to Ashaari Muhammad, the founder of Al Arqam.

a life under control

The group's headquarters was a extensive complex with horse stables in the city of Rawang, about 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur. Former followers reported that they had no contact with the outside world and there was no access to mobile phones. An in -house production company made news similar programs about their leaders that were broadcast on their own television station Ikhwan TV. The programs included prayers, cartoon films and live reporting of motorsport and horse sports events organized by the group

a culture of abuse

The children were not only abused, but also often represented as orphans, although their parents were often GISBH workers. Some had not seen their children for years and instead they were brought up by supervisors who were only a few years older in many cases. The days consisted of the studies of Islam and asked not only to Allah, but also to Nasiruddin, the managing director of GISBH, and other leader of the group.

The shocking revelations about abuse and control within GisbH caused a sensation nationwide, and while many Malaysians heard from Abuya and Al Arqam in the 90s, only a few knew about their connection to GISBH and the alleged abuse that took place there. But for those who had ever worked for GISBH, the revelations were not surprising.