2-4-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysian authorities are currently investigating the potential ties between an armed individual apprehended in the capital last week and an Israeli crime syndicate, according to the country’s top police official. Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain disclosed on Tuesday (Apr 2) that the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Shalom Avitan, was detained on Mar 27 at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Upon his arrest, Avitan was found in possession of six firearms and 200 rounds of ammunition. The police are now seeking additional suspects to aid in their ongoing investigation.
The Times of Israel, citing sources in Hebrew-language media, reported over the weekend that Avitan was associated with an Israeli criminal syndicate and had allegedly been en route to assassinate a member of a rival crime family.
Razarudin confirmed that Avitan had informed Malaysian authorities that his purpose in Malaysia was to track down another Israeli citizen. However, the police remain skeptical and have not ruled out the possibility that Avitan may have had alternative plans.
“We are currently trying to establish a motive… we are perplexed as to why he was carrying six guns while searching for a single individual,” stated Razarudin.
At present, authorities are preparing charges against Avitan, who has been remanded in custody until Apr 7, for the illegal trafficking of firearms. Conviction under this charge carries severe penalties, including corporal punishment, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty.
Razarudin revealed that Avitan had paid a Malaysian couple, who are married, approximately 10,000 ringgit (equivalent to US$2,104.82) for each of the six firearms. These weapons had been smuggled into Malaysia from neighboring Thailand. The couple, along with another Malaysian suspected of serving as Avitan’s driver, have also been detained.
In light of these arrests, Malaysia is actively working to enhance its border security measures, as the country has been critical of Israel’s actions during the Gaza conflict. It is important to note that Malaysia and Israel do not maintain diplomatic relations.
In 2018, Kuala Lumpur witnessed the assassination of a Palestinian scientist, an incident that the Hamas militant group suggested was orchestrated by Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. However, Israel has consistently denied these allegations.
