KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24* — Nearly two weeks after Op Global began, the parents of 572 rescued children from a charity linked to GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd have not come forward to reclaim them. Authorities believe some parents are avoiding identification to conceal their use of the charity as a front for soliciting donations, despite the children being their own.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain announced this at a press conference, stating it constitutes fraud under Section 420 of the Penal Code. Disturbingly, some arrested parents denied the children were theirs, and many young children claimed they didn’t recognize their parents.

The rescued children are currently housed in 11 safe locations managed by the Social Welfare Department (JKM). The Ministry of Education is launching an educational program for over 300 of children starting October 1.

The police investigation also revealed that GISBH members continue to practice “Aurad Muhammadiyah,” a ritual linked to the banned Al-Arqam group. Investigators found related materials at GISBH locations, now with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).

Currently, the investigation is expanding under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 and the Anti-Money Laundering Act. As of September 21, 153 GISBH-related bank accounts totaling RM882,795 have been frozen, along with 38 vehicles valued at approximately RM3.94 million and 14 properties under scrutiny.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar stated that a ruling on GISBH’s practices will be made after consulting the Conference of Rulers in October. Prior to this, discussions will take place among the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs and state muftis from September 25-26.