A POLICE inspector has claimed trial to two charges of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in relation to two Mongolian women.

Hazrul Hizham Ghazali pleaded not guilty before Klang Sessions Court judge Tasnim Abu Bakar this morning.

The 30-year-old accused, dressed in a blue shirt, red jacket and jeans, appeared calm throughout the proceedings.

He wore a mask, as did everyone else in court.

Bail was set at RM10,000 per charge with one surety. Hazrul’s relative posted bail after the proceedings.

The judge set case management for June 17.

Hazrul is accused of trafficking the women between 10.30pm on April 10 and 8.30pm the next day at Room 302 of PJ Luxe Hotel in Petaling Jaya.

He is also accused of sexual exploitation by means of abusing his power, a crime punishable under Section 13 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.

If convicted, he faces between three and 20 years’ imprisonment and a possible fine.

Earlier, the judge agreed to deputy public prosecutor Mohammad Al-Saifi Hashim’s request for the court to order the press to withhold the identities of the women, aged 20 and 36.

Al-Saifi also requested bail at RM15,000 per charge, on the grounds that the accused is a police officer and the alleged crime occurred during the movement-control order period.

Hazrul’s lawyer, Shah Rizal Abdul Manan, argued that his client’s take-home pay of RM1,900 a month has been halved since his suspension and he is looking for another job to make ends meet.

He said Hazrul has been cooperative and showed up at court this morning as ordered.

“He knows the consequences if he does not present himself in court, that he would prejudice his own future.”

Neither Hazrul nor his lawyer spoke to reporters.

Yesterday, Petaling Jaya police chief Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal said the force has also completed a probe into the two women’s rape allegations.

“The investigation papers, filed under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape, have been handed over to the public prosecutor.”

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Huzir Mohamed previously said the suspect was under investigation for human trafficking as well as rape.

On April 11, police rescued the women from the PJ hotel. The duo said they were raped by a police inspector at the hotel after their arrest at a roadblock.

Hazrul was detained for seven days to facilitate investigations. – April 29, 2020.