Suspect in Albertine Leo’s case rearrested for child porn? Let’s recap
The investigation took a darker turn on Aug 4, when police rearrested the main suspect after discovering child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and illegal sex toys at his home in Kulai.
SHAH ALAM - The disappearance of six-year-old Albertine Leo in Johor last month triggered a nationwide manhunt and uncovered shocking revelations about the suspect, including links to child pornography.
What began as a desperate search for a missing child has evolved into a far-reaching investigation uncovering the suspect's disturbing connections to child pornography and the possession of obscene materials.
This harrowing case has not only stirred the nation but also highlighted grave concerns about the hidden threats lurking within communities.
July 20: The Disappearance
On the night of July 20, six-year-old Albertine Leo Jia Hui was reported missing during the Bon Odori Festival at the Eco Galleria shopping mall in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.
She was last seen wearing a white shirt with a Mickey Mouse image and shorts. The incident quickly escalated into a critical situation, with police launching a massive search operation.
July 21: Missing Person Alert Issued
Early on July 21, a police report was filed at 12.35am, prompting authorities to issue a missing person notice. Iskandar Puteri Police Chief ACP Kumarasan Muniandy led the efforts to track down the missing girl, urging the public to come forward with any information.
July 22: National Urgent Response Alert
The situation intensified as police issued a National Urgent Response (Nur) Alert on July 22, aiming to spread information about Albertine’s disappearance. The case, initially classified as a missing person, was reclassified as an abduction under Section 365 of the Penal Code.
That same day, authorities arrested two Malaysian men and one woman in the Iskandar Puteri area to aid in the investigation.
July 23: Rescue in Selangor
In the early hours of July 23, Albertine Leo was found safe at a budget hotel in Batang Kali, Selangor, over 370 km away from where she had disappeared. The rescue operation occurred at around 4.45am, with police arresting a 31-year-old male suspect found with her and two others. The girl appeared unharmed but was taken to a hospital in Selangor for a medical examination.
Authorities arrested two additional suspects in Iskandar Puteri, bringing the total number of suspects to five. All five were locals with no familial ties to the victim.
The investigation expanded to include Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which deals with physical sexual assault on a child.
July 26: Suspects Released on Bail
By July 26, four of the five suspects had been released on police bail after initial questioning and investigation. The primary suspect, the 31-year-old man found with Albertine, remained in custody as police sought to extend his remand for further investigation.
Aug 4: Shocking Revelations and Rearrest
The investigation took a darker turn on Aug 4, when police rearrested the main suspect after discovering child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and illegal sex toys at his home in Kulai.
This new development led to additional charges under Section 10 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 for possessing CSAM and under Section 292 of the Penal Code for possessing obscene materials. These offences carry severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
The man had initially been released on police bail after his remand period expired. However, the discovery of the illegal materials prompted his immediate rearrest. The investigation continues as authorities piece together the full extent of the crimes committed.
