PETALING JAYA: Three foreigners suspected of having ties with Israeli Shalom Avitan have been deported to their respective home countries.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Isa said the repatriation was carried out after the individuals were handed over to the immigration department, Berita Harian reported.
“The three were sent to the US, Turkey, and Georgia, respectively,” he was quoted as saying.
“The seven local suspects arrested were released on police bail on May 10.”
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“It is important to understand that being released on bail means if there are developments, witnesses, or new evidence, the investigation papers can be reopened at any time,” he said.
A total of 18 individuals were detained in connection with Avitan, who pleaded not guilty in the Kuala Lumpur sessions court to trafficking six guns into Malaysia and possessing 158 bullets.
A local married couple who allegedly provided Avitan with the weapons has also been charged while five others have been released.
The remaining 10 individuals, including the three foreign nationals, were detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.
It was previously reported that Avitan was an associate of the Musli brothers crime family.
Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said Avitan entered the country using a French passport, but when pressed further by the police, handed over his Israeli passport.
He reportedly came to Malaysia to assassinate Eran Haya, the purported leader of a rival criminal group who is also in Malaysian police custody.
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