18 July 2026cibercrime
The Scientific Criminal Investigation Police (PCIC), with the support of the National State Intelligence Service (SNIE), conducted on Friday night two operations in Dili that resulted in the arrest of more than fifty people suspected of involvement in online fraud centers.
The first operation took place at the City 8 Hotel, where 33 people were arrested, and the second in Kuluhun, where 19 more people were arrested, making a total of 52 detainees, all taken to the PCIC building where they are being held while the case files are processed.
At issue would be the alleged use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to commit online scams and fraud, related to the promotion of fictitious investments, and which targeted victims outside Timor-Leste.
During the operation, the PCIC seized various objects, including telephones, laptops and mobile phones and cash. The PCIC will now prepare the report for submission to the Public Prosecutor's Office, while further investigations are underway.
The Prime Minister (PM), Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, personally accompanied the operation, having reaffirmed the zero-tolerance policy towards illicit activities in Timor-Leste, including scam call centres, cybercrime, money laundering and other organized crime activities.
The presence of the Head of Government, accompanied by the national director of the PCIC, Vicente Fernandes e Brito, the director of the SNI, Longuinhos Monteiro, and the PCIC investigation team, reflects a serious and collective effort by the State and Government entities in the fight against illicit activities in the country.