Cops crackdown on human trafficking, cyber sex crime, gambling

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain announced that 249 people were arrested and 144 human trafficking victims were rescued during Operasi Pintas Mega in February.

He said the operation was led by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) division in collaboration with police contingents nationwide.

He said the operation also involved strategic cooperation with agencies, including the Immigration Department, Labour Department, and local authorities.

“During the operation, a total of 45 raids were conducted, resulting in the arrest of 249 individuals and the rescue of 144 victims from human trafficking networks under Section 44 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670).

“This achievement demonstrates the Royal Malaysia Police’s dedication and capability in combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling professionally and comprehensively,” Razarudin said during the Bukit Aman monthly assembly today.

Online sexual abuse of children

The police chief also highlighted international achievements through participation in Operation Cyber Guardian, organised by the Singapore police, which included Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia.

“The operation, conducted from Feb 28 to March 28 this year, focused on eradicating online sexual abuse of children.

“A total of 46 police officers were deployed with support from the MCMC and the K9 Detection Unit to detect electronic devices used to store and distribute prohibited materials via peer-to-peer platforms and the Telegram app,” Razarudin said.

Four individuals - an accountant, web designer, telecommunications industry worker, and civil servant - were arrested with more than 50,000 pieces of child sexual abuse material seized, he added.

“All suspects are being investigated under the Child Act 2001, Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, and the Penal Code.

“The arrests highlight the severe threat of cyber sexual crimes targeting vulnerable groups and reaffirm (the Criminal Investigation Department)’s unwavering commitment to combat these despicable offences,” he said.

In other developments, Razarudin said the department has intensified its fight against illegal gambling through Operasi Dadu Khas, which saw 6,719 raids conducted throughout the operation.

“A total of 8,603 individuals were arrested, and 3,464 electronic devices, including computers, tablets, and mobile phones, were confiscated along with over RM1.6 million in cash,” he said.

He said the coordinated effort reflects the police’s firm stance and zero tolerance toward illegal gambling activities that threaten public safety.

- Bernama

Man nabbed for suspected petrol smugging in Kota Bharu

Ministry mulling user identity verification measures to protect kids – Fahmi

Child grooming cases: Poor parenting the first failure - expert

Cops: Kidnappers demanded 80kg gold, valued at RM40m

Influencers linked to growing number of child grooming cases: Police