Former US Navy Seal Ryan Bates, who was detained yesterday for carrying empty ammunition magazines in his luggage, has been released on bail, said Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan.
Speaking to Malaysiakini today, Hussein said Bates (above), who was carrying three unloaded gun magazines, is not allowed to leave the country until the investigation is completed.
“The case is being investigated under Section 8 of the Arms Act 1960.
“The case has also been referred to the deputy public prosecutor,” he said.
The provision penalises possession of arms and ammunition (including firearm components) without a licence with up to seven years imprisonment, a fine up to RM10,000, or both, upon conviction.
Earlier, Malay Mail reported that Bates’ wife, Dianna Dahlgren, had posted an Instagram story pleading for help from the US Embassy in Malaysia after the former was barred from departing Malaysia to return home to Las Vegas.
“My husband @frogman5326_ is currently detained at the Kuala Lumpur Airport being held by Malaysian police. In order to get him out I need someone at the US Embassy as soon as humanly possible!
“He (Bates) had a magazine in his bag from filming a military television show,” she was quoted as saying by the portal.
According to the report, Bates, 43, was said to have carried those empty magazines to film a Netflix series titled "The World’s Toughest Forces" in Malaysia.
He had also posted a series of videos showing his initial detention on Instagram.
He was quoted as saying by Malay Mail that “things were not looking good”, adding that the authorities were trying to figure out what he had in his luggage and “coming up with what to do with me”.
“If you don't hear from me in a few days, I'll be stuck in a hole in some stupid place,” he was reported as saying in one of his videos.
‘No police permit’
Meanwhile, Hussein said Bates entered the country for filming purposes, in cooperation with the Malaysian Armed Forces, using military camp facilities.
However, he said that Bates did not have a permit to carry empty ammunition magazines in and out of the country.
“We have checked with the Malaysian Armed Forces. They have given Bates permission to film at their facilities.
“But when it comes to permits to bring ammunition magazines in and out of the country, it’s all under the police’s jurisdiction. There’s no record (of Bates applying for permission from the police).
“He did not follow our procedures,” Hussein added.
US embassy aware of Bates’ issue
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur told Malaysiakini that it is aware of Bates’ predicament in Malaysia.
“When a US citizen is detained overseas, the US Department of State works to provide all appropriate consular assistance,” it said.
However, the embassy refused to comment further due to privacy considerations. - Mkini
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