Payam Javan: Malaysian authorities have rescued over 400 children suspected of being sexually abused at charity homes operated by Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB), a prominent Islamic business organization with ties to a banned religious sect. The rescue operation on Wednesday led to the arrest of 171 adults, including Islamic religious teachers, following coordinated raids across 20 locations in two Malaysian states. The children, aged between one and 17, were found to have suffered neglect, abuse, and sexual harassment, according to Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain.

The charity homes, run by GISB, reportedly housed 201 boys and 201 girls. Preliminary investigations revealed that many of the victims were children of GISB employees, who were allegedly subjected to various forms of abuse, including being sodomized by adult guardians and then forced to perpetrate similar acts on other children. GISB has denied the allegations, asserting that it does not manage the homes and will seek a police investigation into the claims.

GISB, which operates internationally across several countries, has faced controversy in the past, including its association with the now-banned Al-Arqam religious sect and the establishment of the Obedient Wives’ Club. The organization claimed that the charity homes were mismanaged and that their policies do not condone illegal activities. The rescued children will undergo health screenings and documentation, with investigations focusing on sexual offenses and human trafficking.