PM Gusmão urges stronger international cooperation to combat online fraud and transnational crime
DÍLI, 27 October 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão has called for stronger international judicial cooperation to combat online fraud and other forms of transnational crime, warning that criminal networks operating across borders pose growing risks to citizens, businesses and national security.
Gusmão made the remarks on Tuesday while chairing the ministerial session of the 19th Conference of Ministers of Justice of the Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CMJPLOP) in Dili.
The meeting brought together justice ministers, heads of delegations and representatives of member states of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP).
The conference, which began preparatory work on 26 October, is examining ways to strengthen cooperation in crime prevention, criminal investigations and international judicial assistance, particularly in cases involving digital technologies and criminal networks operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Gusmão stressed that online fraud causes significant human and economic harm, potentially wiping out the savings of families and businesses while undermining public security and confidence in the economy.
He also warned that some online fraud operations are linked to human trafficking, with criminal networks using deceptive recruitment practices and coercion to force victims into illegal activities.
“Behind every fraud, there is a person, a family or a company that trusted. Perhaps the money involved is the result of years of work and savings,” the prime minister said.
He noted that no single authority could access all the information needed to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable when criminal networks operate across national borders.
To address these challenges, Gusmão called for closer information-sharing between authorities, stronger mechanisms to preserve digital evidence and better coordination of criminal investigations. He also stressed the importance of digital literacy initiatives, particularly for vulnerable groups and people with limited knowledge of technology.
The prime minister highlighted the role of the Portuguese-Speaking Countries’ Network for International Legal and Judicial Cooperation in facilitating access to up-to-date information, maintaining operational contact points and ensuring that requests for assistance are transmitted quickly and securely.
Gusmão also announced that Timor-Leste was preparing to accede to the Apostille Convention, an international agreement designed to simplify the authentication of public documents for use abroad. The move is intended to reduce administrative procedures and facilitate the cross-border circulation of official documents.
Justice Minister Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai echoed the call for stronger international cooperation, emphasising the need to improve institutional capacity to prevent and investigate cybercrime.
Hornai said operations conducted in Timor-Leste had uncovered indications of human trafficking linked to online fraud, including cases involving deceptive recruitment and coercion to force people to engage in illegal activities.
He also highlighted the importance of sharing best practices, professional training and closer judicial partnerships with international organisations and development partners.
“Timor-Leste also intends to strengthen cooperation with the CPLP, ASEAN, the European Union and international partners to share experiences, improve professional training and strengthen judicial cooperation,” the minister said.
The conference is also discussing the circulation and verification of notarial documents, continuing work undertaken during São Tomé and Príncipe’s previous presidency of the organisation.
Delegates are expected to consider the Dili Declaration, which aims to establish common guidelines for strengthening judicial and legal cooperation among member states in combating transnational organised crime.
The meeting takes place as Timor-Leste exercises the CPLP’s rotating presidency, providing an opportunity for the country to promote closer cooperation among Portuguese-speaking nations on cross-border crime and justice-related challenges.
TATOLI
