Dili, April 28, 2026 (Lusa) - Nurima Alkatiri, Timor-Leste’s MP for the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (Fretilin), has called for increased surveillance of corruption and organised crime following the detection of a fraudulent online investment scam known as "Snapboost", on Tuesday.
“This scam has caused severe financial losses to a large section of the public,” she said in parliament, before the order of business was addressed.
Timor-Leste’s police have confirmed the receipt of two formal complaints from victims of the scam and have urged others who lost money to come forward.
“This case highlights the fragility of our economic borders and the urgency of strengthening oversight mechanisms against corruption and organised crime,” Alkatiri said.
“It is essential that the state deals with this threat, and all existing allegations, as a national security priority,” she added.
The MP also said that the desperation of citizens seeking to improve their lives should not be allowed to be exploited as an opportunity for organised crime.
In her view, the situation demonstrates a systematic attempt to take advantage of loopholes in Timor-Leste's financial and legal supervision.
“It is essential that we do not limit ourselves to reacting to the damage caused, but that we work proactively to strengthen our legal framework and rigorously monitor those entering the country under the premise of investing,” she said.
Alkatiri also advocated for the authorities to be equipped with necessary resources to tackle transnational crime.
Timor-Leste’s police have warned the public not to place indiscriminate trust in online publications that disseminate information relating to financial investment without a legal basis or outside the banking system.

MSE/MYAL // AYLS
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