April 8, 2024
KUALA LUMPUR – The supposed target of the alleged Israeli spy Shalom Avitan was not detained during the latest round of arrests in Kuala Lumpur and Johor.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain denied the arrest of the man, who Israeli media has identified as Eran Haya.
He was responding to a report on a news portal that one of those arrested during the raids was Haya.
The report also claimed Haya had entered the country with a Polish passport.
“I did not verify (the news). The media portal used sources from where?” he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.
On April 5, the IGP said 12 more people were detained during raids conducted by a team from Bukit Aman CID, Kuala Lumpur police and Special Branch.
He said among those arrested were two Turkish nationals, aged 29 and 40, and a Georgian man, aged 39.
“Some of them were remanded on Thursday while the others the following day.
“All of them were remanded for one week to assist in investigations.
“The probe to uncover the motive and reason behind the main suspect coming into the country and acquiring six pistols is still ongoing,” he said.
Razarudin also said Avitan had entered Malaysia during the Ramadan month and that he could have been planning an attack during the Hari Raya festive period.
Separately, Bernama reported that the remand period for Avitan had been extended for another week after it was due to end yesterday.
The IGP said the extension was to allow the police to finalise a detailed investigation report.
“We still require some time to gather evidence on the main suspect and his possession of six pistols and 200 rounds of ammunition,” he said.
A local married couple, who allegedly sold the firearms to the Israeli man, are still under remand to help in the probe while another suspect, who acted as Avitan’s driver, has been released on police bail.