ALBAWABA - Malaysian police have rescued 17 Jordanian children and detained 15 adults in Kuala Lumpur during an operation against a suspected human trafficking ring accused of using children for begging.
The children, aged between just three months and 14 years, eight boys and nine girls, had reportedly entered Malaysia legally with their families on social visit passes.
The investigation took a dramatic turn when Malaysian authorities launched “Op Pintas Kasih” with 13 raids across the capital. Seven targeted public places - said to be used for begging - and another six targeted homes linked to the group in Bukit Bintang and ChowKit.
Police have arrested seven men and eight women, believed to be of Jordanian origin, aged between 21 and 49. "Five were said to have been found without valid travel documents.
Authorities also seized some 24,400 Malaysian ringgit in foreign currency, 32 Jordanian passports, 14 mobile phones and four baby strollers allegedly used in begging activities.
Investigators suspect the children may have been brought to Malaysia specifically for begging, with the operation reportedly raking in 500 to 1,000 ringgit a day.
The group’s travels, however, did not initially draw suspicion despite the allegations. According to Jordanian sources, the children left Jordan legally with their parents, who had passports and official identification documents.
Malaysian investigators are currently tracing the ties between the detained adults and children and ascertaining the role of each suspect in the alleged exploitation.
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry said it was in close contact with authorities in Kuala Lumpur, with the immediate goal being the safety and return of the children home.
Jordanian officials said adults who were found responsible could face legal proceedings upon their return under the country’s anti-human trafficking laws.
The case echoes one in Kenya in 2022 when authorities detained 40 Jordanians, including 21 children, for alleged begging despite the group entering the country on valid tourist visas.
