Dili, July 31, 2026 (Media Democracia) – The Timor-Leste NGO Forum (FONGTIL), together with its members and sector networks, held a press conference to express appreciation to the security forces, particularly the Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL), the Scientific Criminal Investigation Police (PSIK), and the Criminal Investigation Service Directorate (DSIK), for their work that demonstrates professionalism and commitment in dismantling illegal activity known as the “scan call centre” in Timor-Leste.
The Executive Director of the Timor-Leste NGO Forum (FONGTIL), Inocêncio de Jesus Xavier, said that the actions carried out by the security institutions show their commitment to continue serving the people with responsibility and professionalism, through combating organized crime and cybercrime that can threaten the country’s security and stability.
“This action shows that the security institutions continue to serve the people with responsibility, professionalism and determination to combat organized crime and cybercrime that threaten the security and stability of the nation. However, FONGTIL also challenges the security authorities to continue strengthening maximum vigilance and to use the State’s security channels to conduct in-depth investigations into mafia groups that may be in Timor-Leste. FONGTIL hopes that efforts like this can continue with good coordination among all State institutions, to ensure a safe environment for all citizens and to prevent illegal activities in Timor-Leste.” said Inocêncio de Jesus Xavier.
The FONGTIL Executive Director said that the organization, together with its members and sector networks, is calling on the Public Prosecution Service and the Courts to apply sanctions in accordance with the provisions of the law in force.
“Therefore, FONGTIL with its members and sector networks calls on the Public Prosecution Service and the Courts to apply sanctions according to the relevant provisions in the Penal Code of Timor-Leste, particularly Article 188 on Criminal Association, Article 269 on Aggravated Computer Fraud, and also consider Article 313 on Money Laundering, when legal evidence shows that this article can be applied. FONGTIL with its members and sector networks also asks the Public Prosecution Service and the Courts to carefully consider appropriate coercive measures in accordance with the law during the investigation process and judicial proceedings against suspects in the scam call centre case in Timor-Leste.” said the FONGTIL Executive Director to journalists at the FONGTIL office, Kaikoli, Dili, on Thursday this week.
He also clarified that the request is based on concerns that, if adequate coercive measures are not applied, there is a risk that suspects could flee from Timor-Leste, destroy evidence, or hinder the investigation and administration of justice.
“FONGTIL respects the independence of the Public Prosecution Service and the Courts to make decisions in accordance with the Constitution, the Penal Code and other applicable laws, with consideration for the fundamental rights of suspects and the public interest, to ensure that the justice process proceeds with efficiency, impartiality and transparency.” he said.
The FONGTIL Executive Director also recommended that PNTL, DSIK and PSIK continue to strengthen institutional cooperation and operational capacity to prevent and combat cybercrime and organized crime in Timor-Leste rigorously.
To the Public Prosecution Service and the Courts, FONGTIL asks that the justice process be conducted with independence, impartiality and transparency, and that appropriate coercive measures be considered in accordance with the law when there is legal grounds to prevent the risk of suspects fleeing, destroying evidence, or interfering with the investigation process.
To the Government, FONGTIL recommends strengthening national policy and the legal framework for preventing and combating cybercrime, including investment in technology, human resource training, and strengthening international cooperation.
To the Immigration Service and relevant authorities, FONGTIL asks that border control be strengthened and information exchanged with relevant institutions in accordance with the law, to prevent illegal movement that could harm the justice process. FONGTIL also recommends that foreign citizens who are proven to have violated Timor-Leste law be deported to their country of origin in accordance with applicable legal procedures, and that monitoring of the movement of foreign citizens entering Timor-Leste be strengthened to ensure that their objectives and activities are clear and lawful.
Report By: Nélia
Photo: Nélia