KUALA LUMPUR: Police have not yet identified any Malaysians allegedly recruited as mercenaries by Russia to take part in military operations in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the federal police Special Branch Division has conducted further investigations with cooperation of its European counterparts.
"We have not received any information about our citizens being hired as soldiers in any country, including Ukraine, as reported," he told Berita Harian when contacted today.
Earlier, the Ukraine National Resistance Centre revealed that Malaysians have been implicated in joining Russia as mercenaries during its nearly two-year invasion of Ukraine.
It said the fighters are currently undergoing training at the designated ground.
Malaysian mercenaries were reported to be accompanied by a translator and a former 'Wagner' member was identified in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine.
Razarudin said these mercenaries should not be classified as terrorists, as they likely represent a specific nation rather than a violence-oriented organisation.
He however said the police would not compromise the matter if any citizens are identified as mercenaries or terrorists engaging in warfare in tumultuous regions.
"Stringent measures can be taken under the Special Measures Against Terrorism in Foreign Countries Act 2015 (SMATA) against any citizens we ascertain to be involved in violent activities.
"We will consistently exchange information with the government and the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
"If any of our citizens are found to be involved in terrorist or mercenary activities, their passports will be promptly revoked."
He said Malaysia unequivocally condemns mercenary activities and prohibits citizens from travelling to conflict zones for combat.