Dili, July 27, 2026 (Lusa) - The National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) detained a further 30 foreign nationals in Dili on Sunday on suspicion of engaging in online activities that require further investigation, the security force announced.

The arrests took place in the Cristo area, after the authorities had surrounded a hotel in that area, which was being used as a base for «online fraud activities by a fraud centre», according to a statement from the PNTL.

«As the team entered the premises, two foreign nationals attempted to flee and hide, but the officers pursued and apprehended them on the public highway in the Cristo Rei area,» explained the Timorese police.

The operation involved the mobile unit of the Criminal Investigation Directorate, the Police Intelligence Directorate and the Timor-Leste Migration Service.

«During the operation, the team also seized several items of interest, including digital equipment which will serve as evidence in the investigation,» added the PNTL.

In recent weeks, the Timorese police authorities have arrested more than 400 people, mostly citizens of China, Cambodia and Indonesia, on suspicion of involvement in online activities, primarily gambling and related schemes.

A report released this week by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) noted that recent developments in Timor-Leste highlight the shift in the location of fraud hubs across South-East Asia.

In September last year, the UNODC highlighted the growing presence of criminal networks in Oecusse, the Timorese enclave situated within Indonesian territory on the island of Timor. According to the UN agency, recent investigations indicate that the region is beginning to experience organised criminal activity.

Last Wednesday, the Timorese cabinet approved a draft bill requesting legislative authorisation from the National Parliament regarding crimes and criminal proceedings in the field of cybersecurity, and the definition of the legal framework for national cyberspace.

MSE/ADB // ADB.

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