Dili, Sept. 28, 2026 (Lusa) - Timor-Leste has signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime after the government implemented a series of measures to prevent such crime, following the dismantling of several online fraud centres in the country.

According to a statement from the Timorese Government, Foreign Minister Bendito Freitas signed the convention last week in New York during the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

The signing of this instrument forms part of a series of measures that Timor-Leste has been implementing to strengthen the prevention and combat of cybercrime.

In recent months, the Timor-Leste police have arrested hundreds of foreign nationals, mainly from China, Cambodia and Indonesia, on suspicion of involvement in activities carried out via the internet, primarily illegal gambling, fraud schemes and online fraud centres.

In addition to signing the United Nations convention, Timorese authorities are drafting cybersecurity legislation and have strengthened institutional coordination through the creation of the Interministerial Commission on Cybersecurity and the Digitalisation of State Services.

The government has also approved the Integrated National Plan to Prevent and Combat Transnational Digital Financial Fraud Networks.

MSE/ADB // ADB.

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