KUALA LUMPUR – Authorities have confirmed that they are investigating rape allegations against preacher Ebit Irawan Ibrahim Lew, better known as Ebit Lew.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said today that investigations are being conducted under Sections 376 and 500 of the Penal Code on rape and defamation, respectively.
During a press conference at the Bukit Aman police headquarters here today, he said 13 witnesses have been called to aid in investigations.
Shuhaily added that Lew lodged a report five days after Indonesian influencer Mondy Tattoo lodged hers.
“As soon as he arrived in Malaysia, (Lew) lodged a report to deny the claims made in Mondy’s report. He also lodged a separate report against the allegations towards him.
“Since investigations are still ongoing, police may be calling in more individuals to provide their statements,” Shuhaily said, adding that Mondy is in Malaysia for the time being.
Besides noting that investigations also involve Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998 on improper use of network facilities, he said the police had taken possession of Mondy’s phone to assist in the probe.
“There are provisions under the law (allowing police to) take someone’s phone to see if contents in it matches with what is being claimed, in terms of the incident timing and so on.”
Yesterday, local celebrity Caprice, who had given his statement to police regarding the report lodged by Lew, denied paying Mondy to make false allegations against the preacher.
“Logically, instead of paying (Mondy), it would be better for me to find a victim that people would believe easily, such as a religious woman who wears a headscarf and has memorised the al-Quran.
“This woman (Mondy) has tattoos. Why would I want to torture my family to defend someone like this?” Caprice was reported as saying after having his statement recorded.
Previously, Mondy had claimed in an episode of Caprice’s podcast that she was a victim of sexual harassment by a preacher. – September 21, 2023