Dili, July 22, 2026 (Media Democracia) – The NGO Hali ba Dame (HABADA) released a security monitoring report on online gambling operations and scam call centers in Timor-Leste that the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and the Scientific Police for Criminal Investigation (PCIC) have dismantled. A total of 12 fraudulent operations were dismantled in 2 Municipalities, Dili and Liquiçá, between 26 June and 19 July 2026.
The Executive Director of Hali ba Dame HABADA, Abel Amaral, said 409 suspects were detained within a period of three weeks.
“This is not a series of isolated incidents. HABADA’s monitoring report identified the frequency, the spread of locations, and the scale of each operation – from 2 people to 99 people showing a network with structure, financing and logistics behind these activities.” said HABADA Executive Director Abel Amaral.
The Director also stated that out of the 12 locations involved, the suspects included Chinese nationals and Indonesian citizens, mostly in the 2 cases in Liquiçá.
“The police found similar infrastructure, which is associated with fraud operations in other places in the Southeast Asian region: rented residences, warehouses, hotels. In one location in Metiaut, Dili, there were 43 beds installed inside a two-story house, which shows that the place functioned as a dormitory for workers. In Bebonuk alone, police seized 88 computers and 13 laptops. This is evidence of an operation that requires large capital investment.” he said.
The HABADA Director also stated that the physical infrastructure identified in Timor-Leste corresponds to the complex typology documented by OHCHR in Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos.
“This is HABADA’s concern that some of the detained individuals may potentially be victims of human trafficking, instead of being elements involved. Therefore a deeper investigation is needed to identify this issue.” he said.
HABADA warned that what UNODC issued almost a year ago is now being seen in Timor-Leste. In the last three weeks, from police operations, HABADA further argues that prevention-oriented strategies must be strengthened rather than just reactive operations.
Report By: Intern Nelia and Fizania
Photo: Intern Nicodemos