High Court denies bail for GISB CEO and associates

The Shah Alam High Court in Malaysia has denied bail to Nasiruddin Mohd Ali, the chief executive officer of Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) Holdings, along with 12 other men. They face charges of being members of an organised criminal group. This case has gained significant attention due to the rescue of hundreds of children from the group’s welfare homes last year. Judge Latifah Mohd Tahar made the ruling on March 24. She stated that the 13 men did not meet the criteria set by the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA) for bail. Among those denied bail is Adib At-Tamimi, the son of a founder of a banned Islamic movement. The judge noted that while Nasiruddin suffers from chronic health conditions, his medical situation is being managed in prison. Authorities confirmed he is able to access necessary medical care without issues. The court also dismissed the bail applications of six other men who did not provide medical reports. Eight women, including Nasiruddin’s wife, were granted bail. Each woman was required to pay RM40,000 (about US$9,000) and follow specific conditions, such as reporting to police every two weeks. The judge said there was no evidence showing they would attempt to flee or influence witnesses. This case involves allegations of sexual abuse, human trafficking, and religious deviance, with the police rescuing over 625 victims, mostly children, during operations against GISB last September. The 22 members charged in this case risk long prison sentences if convicted.