Dili, July 29, 2026 (Media Democracia) – PNTL Spokesperson Chief Superintendent João Belo dos Reis informed that on Saturday night (26/07), they dismantled a Scam Call Center at WL World Hotel in the Kristu Rei area. In this operation, 30 people were detected, consisting of 29 Chinese citizens and 1 citizen from Laos (Laos PDR).
“Right now these people are in the detention cells in Comoro and in an hour we will present them to the Court.” said the PNTL Spokesperson during a press conference at PNTL General Headquarters, Caicoli, Dili.
In addition, last night the Immigration Service team together with DSIK also carried out an operation in the Comoro area that was suspected to be a site for a scam call center.
“We arrested 62 foreign citizens consisting of 28 Indonesian citizens, 33 Chinese citizens, and 1 Indian citizen.” he informed.
These citizens are currently being processed for identification by DSIK and will soon be presented to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Because of this, the General Command through the PNTL Spokesperson appeals to the community that the Security and Defense of Timor-Leste has already shown the community our determination to protect our national sovereignty, public order, and the well being of Timorese people.
Online gambling and scam call centers have become a modern, sophisticated form of crime that exploits trust, hope, and often the vulnerability of people.
“The victims of this fraud lose their finances, their dignity, and in some cases even their mental health.” he added.
PNTL also will not allow our country to be used as a platform for this fraudulent activity. Furthermore, PNTL remains committed to its mission to serve and protect citizens.
Message to international crime networks, Timor-Leste is not a safe country for you to operate these criminal activities.
“Anyone who tries to use our territory and cyberspace for their illegal activities, we will respond firmly, in a coordinated and applicable way with our Security Forces.” he stated.
PNTL also appeals to citizens to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity that indicates crime to the nearest police station. Never share personal data, bank codes, or money with people you don’t know or don’t know on the Internet.
On this occasion, the Spokesperson also thanked partner institutions such as the Immigration Service, Intelligence Service, Maritime Authority, Falintil Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL), and Airport Authority for all their good work and coordination in responding to transnational crimes in the country.
Report By: Estefánia Cardoso
Photo: PNTL