Dili, July 18, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), through the National Directorate of Criminal Investigation Services (DSIC), detained a Timorese married couple on July 15, 2025, who are strongly suspected of involvement in an “Online Shopping Scam.” The couple allegedly acted as local accomplices for a group of foreign masterminds behind the scam.
According to PNTL spokesperson, Police Superintendent João Belo dos Reis, during a press conference, DSIC received a complaint on July 14, 2025, from a Timorese citizen who reported being scammed in an online transaction with foreign perpetrators.
“On the following day (July 15), a DSIC team led by Chief Inspector Akilis Dias conducted a tracking and infiltration operation into the transactions and managed to detect and detain the couple. The Timorese suspects acted as agents for the foreign scammers, deceiving many members of our community. As a result, numerous Timorese citizens have fallen victim to this scheme,” explained Superintendent João Belo dos Reis.
He further elaborated that the suspects used fake advertisements on social media to promote the sale of goods such as cars, motorcycles, mobile phones, and gold at cheap prices, thereby luring many interested buyers who were then persuaded to send money to the foreign scammers.
“The modus operandi involved using Timorese individuals, like the arrested couple as intermediaries. These agents gathered and shared information and published attractive advertisements to lure the community. Eventually, we also discovered that they were using forged vehicle registration documents (STNK) provided by the foreign suspects to make the listings seem legitimate,” said the PNTL spokesperson.
He added that in other cases, the suspects obtained actual vehicles previously sold by formal agencies in Timor-Leste, and then resold them under false pretenses. These vehicles were offered at half the normal price to mislead buyers into believing the deals were genuine.
“Given the nature of this case, the PNTL would like to advise the public and the broader community to always verify the legitimacy of any seller or supplier before making transactions. People must confirm whether the goods are legal, whether the seller is authorized, and only then proceed with payment to avoid becoming victims of online or illegal transactions,” emphasized Superintendent João Belo dos Reis.
He also stated that the PNTL, together with other institutions and journalists, must continue educating the community about online crimes to prevent further victimization and protect citizens from unnecessary losses.
Furthermore, the PNTL, through its National Directorate of Criminal Investigation Services (DSIC), held a press conference on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, to address the Online Shopping Scam case, in which a local couple acted as middlemen for foreign suspects in scamming numerous Timorese citizens through false advertisements of cheap items like cars and motorcycles.
Report by: Nelfiano
Photo: PNTL Media