DILI, 14 May 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste’s Scientific police for criminal investigation (PCIC) marked its 12th anniversary on Thursday with a ceremony led by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, highlighting the agency’s role in combating organised and transnational crime and strengthening the country’s justice sector.
Speaking at the event, Gusmão said the work carried out by the agency contributes not only to the development of the institution itself but also to the consolidation of the rule of law and Timor-Leste’s justice system.
“By carrying out your duties with professionalism, dedication and impartiality, you are contributing not only to the strengthening of the PCIC, but also to the consolidation of the justice sector,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that the Criminal Scientific Investigation Police, together with other police forces, criminal investigation bodies and judicial authorities, plays a decisive role in building the democratic rule of law and strengthening national institutions.
During his address, Gusmão reflected on the country’s progress since the restoration of independence and called for continued efforts to address the challenges of state-building.
“From the ashes, we built a peaceful and stable country, established public institutions and organised a free and democratic society, where every citizen has the opportunity to participate in and contribute to nation-building,” he said.
The prime minister also said justice reform remains one of the priorities of Timor-Leste’s Ninth Constitutional Government, with continued investment in human resource development and institutional strengthening.
At the ceremony, PCIC National Director Vicente Fernandes e Brito presented an overview of the agency’s recent operations, highlighting efforts to combat cybercrime, online fraud, money laundering and transnational crime.
Among the results presented were the recovery of US$42 million linked to online fraud cases, the dismantling of a scam centre in Oe-Cusse, and operations targeting bank card data theft at ATM machines and cyberattacks against public administration systems.
Brito said Timor-Leste “is not, and never will be, a safe haven for transnational impunity,” underscoring the agency’s cooperation with domestic institutions and international partners.
The ceremony also marked the launch of PCIC’s new institutional website, available in Portuguese, Tetum and English, which includes an anonymous crime reporting service.
The platform was developed with support from the Australian Federal Police through the Timor-Leste Police Development Programme.
TATOLI
