Govt approves decree governing CN-CAT operations

DÍLI, 26 August 2026 (TATOLI) – The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Decree regulating the National Centre for Coordination, Assessment, and Combating Transnational Threats (CN-CAT), as provided for in the Integrated National Plan to Prevent and Combat Transnational Digital Financial Fraud Networks Supported by Online Scam Platforms (SCAM), Organised Cybercrime, and Human Trafficking, for the period 2026 to 2031.

The CN-CAT reports directly to the Prime Minister and is responsible for ensuring inter-institutional coordination, conducting integrated threat assessments, and supporting the Government’s strategic decision-making to prevent and combat transnational threats that could affect national security, digital sovereignty, economic stability, the integrity of the national financial system, or the State’s strategic interests.

“These threats include digital financial fraud, online scam platforms, organised cybercrime, illegal entry and stay of foreign nationals in the national territory, and human trafficking,” said in a statement.

The Centre brings together representatives of the main agencies responsible for these areas and is coordinated by the Director-General of the National Strategic Intelligence Service, assisted by the Director of the Forensic Criminal Investigation Police.

“Its main functions include the ongoing assessment of threats, the preparation of strategic reports and alerts for the Prime Minister, the sharing of information among participating agencies, technical coordination and the planning of joint actions, and the monitoring of the implementation of the measures set out in the National Plan,” according to the statement.

The activities of the CN-CAT do not alter the jurisdiction of its member entities, nor do they confer powers of criminal investigation or operational direction; furthermore, the Public Prosecutor’s Office retains control over criminal investigations.

TATOLI