KUALA LUMPUR: The Israeli man– now identified as Shalom Avitan– who was arrested with six pistols and 200 rounds of ammunition last Wednesday, was found to be enjoying a luxurious stay in the capital city.
A source revealed that Avitan had arrived in the country on March 12 and checked into a five-star hotel.
"During his stay in the country, the suspect (Avitan) went shopping at a high-end shopping mall in KL.
"The suspect appeared to be spending lavishly and had also dined at five-star restaurants in the capital city," he told Harian Metro.
According to him, Avitan also met and held meetings with several other individuals at a five-star hotel in KL while in the country.
On Friday (March 29), police arrested a married couple aged 42 and 40 at a Ramadan bazaar in Kuala Selangor at 7.15pm.
Interrogation of the couple revealed that they admitted to buying weapons in Thailand before handing them over to Avitan.
Meanwhile, when contacted, the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, confirmed the matter but declined to comment further.
At present, police are still conducting investigations to determine the main motive of the Israeli man's entry into the country besides his intention to possess six pistols and 200 rounds of ammunition.
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Avitan, according to Israeli media, used a French passport to gain entry into the country.
He was detained by police at a hotel on Jalan Ampang, near here, last Wednesday.
The 36-year-old man entered the country through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
An examination of the hotel room found firearms such as a Glock 19 Marine, a Glock 17 Gen 4, a Smith and Wesson, a Sig Sauer, and a Stoeger, as well as ammunition in his bag.
Police investigations found that all the firearms were purchased by the suspect upon arrival in the country using cryptocurrency.