Police complete questioning of 11 individuals in human trafficking case

KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman has completed recording statements from 11 individuals in connection with the police investigation into a human trafficking syndicate in Myanmar linked to former Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim.

According to Berita Harian, the Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, stated that the 11 individuals include Mashitah and her husband, a businessman, several individuals from a non-governmental organization (NGO), and local news portal journalists.

“So far, statements have been taken from these 11 individuals regarding the case,” he said when contacted today.

Razarudin explained that the current focus of the investigation is on the role of a Datuk Seri, suspected of being the ‘mastermind’ in identifying potential investors for Myanmar.

“We are also investigating the role of an individual suspected of exploiting investors who were successfully persuaded.

“This also includes identifying connections between several individuals and two Chinese businessmen,” he added.

Yesterday, BH reported that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is conducting an analysis and review of the financial positions of several companies to assist in the investigation.

Razarudin stated that reports obtained from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Registrar of Societies (ROS) also include information on several individuals, including Mashitah and a local businessman titled Datuk Seri.

He noted that the police are also reviewing flight records to track the movements of these individuals abroad, particularly to Myanmar, since 2019.

Additionally, he mentioned that the police will also be questioning several individuals, especially those who were victims of human trafficking and were successfully repatriated from Myanmar.

Razarudin said these steps are being taken to identify any new information that could aid in the investigation of the case.