CPLP justice ministers discuss joint action against transnational organized crime
DÍLI, 27 October 2026 (TATOLI) — Justice ministers from Portuguese-speaking countries are meeting in Díli to strengthen cross-border judicial cooperation and develop coordinated strategies to tackle transnational organized crime, digital fraud and illegal gambling.
The 19th Conference of Justice Ministers of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), which concludes on 27 October, brings together member states to improve cooperation in crime prevention, criminal investigations and international judicial assistance.
The conference aims to enhance collaboration between judicial authorities and criminal investigation agencies in responding to crimes that extend beyond national borders.
Discussions cover a range of transnational threats, including online scams, digital fraud, illegal gambling, human trafficking, money laundering, terrorist financing and drug trafficking, as well as other criminal activities associated with organised networks.
Participants are examining ways to improve information-sharing, exchange expertise and adopt effective practices to strengthen the capacity of justice institutions to investigate and prosecute cross-border crimes.
A key focus of the conference is the proposed Dili Declaration, which seeks to establish common guidelines for closer cooperation among CPLP member states in preventing and combating transnational organised crime.
The declaration is expected to address crime prevention, criminal investigations and international judicial assistance, supporting a more coordinated response to criminal networks that operate across jurisdictions and increasingly exploit digital technologies.
The meeting also provides an opportunity for member states to assess existing bilateral and multilateral judicial cooperation initiatives and identify further measures to strengthen justice systems.
Organising Committee President Nelinho Vital said the conference would also address the ratification of the Apostille Convention by CPLP member states.
The international treaty simplifies the authentication of public documents intended for use abroad, reducing the administrative formalities required for their recognition in other signatory countries.
Ratification would help facilitate the cross-border use of public documents and streamline administrative procedures between participating states.
TATOLI
