Preacher uses 'religious celebrity status' to deceive victims - police

 

A young celebrity preacher who was arrested for allegedly committing sexual offences and causing hurt to his victims is believed to have used his influence as a da'i (preacher) to take advantage of them.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Huzir Mohamed said the suspect’s tactic was to send a direct message to his loyal followers via his Instagram account in order to gain their attention.

Huzir said the suspect would invite his female followers to meet him for various reasons, such as for a meal or business matters.

“After asking them out, the suspect would trick them into going to his house and he committed the sexual acts without the consent of the victims.

“We recently received seven police reports against the celebrity and two investigation papers have been opened so far, under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape,” he said at a special news conference in Bukit Aman today.

Huzir said another investigation paper was opened under Section 377C of the Penal Code for committing carnal intercourse against the order of nature and Section 354 for outraging modesty.

He said police had also opened three more investigation papers under Section 354 of the Penal Code and received another report that was classified as no further action as there was no element of sexual harassment.

“We believe more individuals will lodge reports on the preacher’s actions and I urge the victims to come forward and make a report,” Huzir said, adding that most of the victims were university students.

Consequently, Huzir (above) said, the department formed a special task force to investigate the cases involving the suspect.

Earlier yesterday, the remand order against the young preacher-cum-television celebrity was extended for another five days, from today, to facilitate the investigation into a rape case based on a report lodged on Monday by a 22-year-old student.

The suspect was arrested last Friday, following a separate report on rape lodged by another victim, aged 23, last Wednesday.

- Bernama