Dili

Police in Timor-Leste arrested 314 Chinese, Indonesian, and Cambodian nationals linked to international scam operations, uncovering call centres using laptops, SIM cards, and Starlink units. Experts suggest scammers target countries with weak governance, but Timor-Leste's police raids surprised criminal networks.

Singapore is expanding labor channels with East Timor to gain an 'early-mover' advantage in the ASEAN market, aiming to address manpower shortages while helping East Timor utilize its young population. Analysts describe the agreement as a 'win-win' for both countries.

Timor-Leste's parliament is scrutinizing President Jose Ramos-Horta over diplomatic passport issuance to a Chinese businessman linked to a controversial cryptocurrency resort project. The opposition alleges ties between the resort and an organized crime network, citing a Guardian and OCCRP investigation into the AB Digital Technology Resort.