Cops hunt for ‘datuk seri’ linked to Myanmar human trafficking syndicate

Politician, husband under investigation as authorities probe international network allegedly involving forced labour, organ trade

IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Husain says police are tracking down one more person for questioning. — Scoop file pic, September 1, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR — Police are on the hunt for a man with the title ‘datuk seri’ to assist in investigations into a human trafficking case in Myanmar, which allegedly involves a politician and her husband.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said statements have been taken from three individuals so far, including the politician and her spouse.

“We are currently tracking down one more person for questioning and will also call in three article writers in connection with the case. 

“The investigation is being conducted under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) Act 2007,” he told Bernama.

It was reported on August 28 that a politician, who is also a former deputy minister, is allegedly the mastermind of an international human trafficking syndicate operating in Myanmar.

Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim reportedly said that the woman and her husband held key positions as senior security officials in a company and were believed to have been involved in the syndicate since early 2020.

Recently, a video exposing the syndicate in Myanmar went viral on YouTube in Indonesia, revealing that many Indonesian citizens have fallen victim to the syndicate, which is openly engaged in human trafficking activities, including forced labour, torture, organ trafficking, and even murder. — September 1, 2024