Dili, Aug. 27, 2026 (Lusa) - The Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) announced on Thursday the arrest of 16 foreign nationals on suspicion of illegal online activities, following an operation in Dili.

The operation took place on Wednesday in the Metiaut area, at the Cristo Rei administrative post, and «16 foreign nationals, including one woman, suspected of involvement in activities linked to an online fraud centre» were arrested, according to a statement released by the PNTL.

According to the PNTL, various items were also seized during the operation, including 30 mobile phones, mobile phone SIM cards for accessing internet services and a vehicle.

The operation was carried out by a joint team comprising members of the Criminal Investigation Service and the Police Intelligence Service of the PNTL, as well as the Migration Service.

In recent months, the police authorities have detained more than 500 foreign nationals, mostly citizens of China, Cambodia and Indonesia, on suspicion of involvement in illegal online activities, primarily related to illegal gambling and fraud.

In early August, the Timorese Government approved an integrated plan to prevent and combat transnational networks involved in digital financial fraud, cybercrime and human trafficking.

Oversight of the plan's implementation will be carried out by the Interministerial Security Commission through the National Centre for Coordination, Assessment and Combating Transnational Threats, which reports directly to the Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmão.

A report published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime noted that recent developments in Timor-Leste indicate a shift in the location of fraud hubs in South-East Asia.

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