The group which is believed to have abducted Pastor Raymond Koh who went missing in February, has links with human trafficking syndicate in southern Thailand.

Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the authorities are currently working together with the Thai police to identify the group.

He said the group, led a man who is also involved in drugs and arms smuggling, was shot dead in Ulu Lenggong, Kedah, on June 17.

"According to investigation, on the day their leader was shot dead, three more suspects were detained," he said at a press conference at Bukit Aman today.

He said police also believe the missing case of Peter Chong on March 31 is linked to the same group.

On February 13, Raymond, 62 was believed to have been abducted by a group of men at Jalan SS4b/10, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

READ: Documents, pictures on Pastor Koh found at smuggler's house

READ: Police detain man in connection with missing pastor - IGP

Police had classified Koh's case as abduction as there was no demand for ransom.

Four other individuals also reported missing included activist Peter Chong, Amri Che Mat of Perlis Hope Welfare Organisation, as well as pastor Joshua Hilmy and wife, Ruth.

However, Chong, who is the assistant of Subang MP R. Sivarasa, who was allegedly missing on April 6, returned from Pattaya, Thailand at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on April 16.

The whereabouts of Amri, Hilmy and Ruth are still unknown.