Six, Including Teen, Arrested in Johor for Human Trafficking and Labour Exploitation

Accused Allegedly Part of Online Fraud and Exploitation Syndicate

Six individuals, including a 17-year-old, have been charged in Johor with multiple serious offences related to human trafficking, labour exploitation, and child sexual offences.

They are alleged to be part of a syndicate operating out of a house in Kulai, Johor.

Those charged are identified as Sham Chee Fei (33), Kuek Pei Lin (19), Lee Chun Kit (28), Tommy Voo Tze Hau (27), a 17-year-old boy, and Abdul Rahufur Rahim Idris (30).

They appeared in two Sessions Courts, where each pleaded not guilty, The Star reported.

Three Victims Trafficked for Labour Exploitation

Charges were brought against Sham, Kuek, Lee, Voo, and the teenager for allegedly deceiving and trafficking three victims: a 15-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy, and a 26-year-old man, for forced labour at a residence on Jalan Lagenda 34 in Taman Lagenda Putra, Kulai, between March 23 and May 23.

The case falls under Sections 14 and 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, in conjunction with Section 34 of the Penal Code.

These charges carry penalties of up to life imprisonment, caning, or fines.

Child Sexual Offences and Abuse Material Charges

According to Malay Mail, in a separate charge, Kuek, Voo, and the 17-year-old were charged with producing child sexual abuse material involving the same two teenage victims.

The alleged offences include both videos and images, and fall under Section 5 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act (SOACA) 2017, which allows for a prison term of up to 30 years and six strokes of the cane if convicted.

Alleged Sexual Act Directed by Another Accused

Abdul Rahufur pleaded not guilty to a charge of allegedly instructing a female teenage victim to perform sexual acts on a male teenage victim (the same teenage victims mentioned above), an incident said to have occurred between May 22 and 23.

The offence falls under Section 15(f) of the SOACA 2017 and carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a RM20,000 fine (approx. S$6,049), or both, if convicted.

Possession of Child Abuse Material

In addition, Lee faces a separate charge for allegedly possessing two images and two videos of child sexual abuse material, reportedly found on his mobile phone during a search conducted on June 20. He pleaded not guilty.

Bail Conditions and Court Dates Set

Bail was granted for all accused, ranging from RM6,000 (approx. S$1,814) to RM35,000 (approx. S$10,581), with conditions including monthly police reporting, surrender of passports, and prohibition on contacting witnesses.

The Sessions Court has scheduled August 13, 14, and 19 for further mention and submission of documents.