Online Scam Syndicate Raided in Timor Leste, 61 Indonesians Arrested

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the arrest of 61 Indonesian citizens by authorities in Timor Leste for alleged involvement in an online scam syndicate. The government is currently seeking to facilitate the repatriation process for the dozens of nationals.

Heni Hamidah, Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained that the raid was conducted by local authorities on 27 June. During the operation, 67 Indonesian citizens were initially detected, but six managed to escape during the raid. “Based on our records, on 27 June, 67 Indonesian citizens were caught, with six of them fleeing,” Heni stated during a media briefing in Jakarta on Thursday (9/7).

Of the 61 Indonesian citizens currently in detention, preliminary investigations indicate that one individual acted as a supervisor. All of them are still undergoing intensive examination by authorities in Timor Leste to determine their respective roles within the network. Heni also revealed that at least five of those arrested are former workers from Cambodia. They had previously worked in a similar sector there before relocating to Timor Leste following a massive crackdown by Cambodian authorities.

The shifting pattern of these syndicates is a serious concern. Data from the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh recorded a drastic surge in Indonesian citizens requesting repatriation assistance. From January to June 2026, 12,019 Indonesian citizens reported to the embassy, a figure that more than doubles the total cases recorded throughout 2025, which stood at 5,088 people. The Indonesian government continues to monitor the progress of the investigation in Timor Leste, with the current focus being on ensuring the legal rights of the citizens are fulfilled while exploring the possibility of their immediate repatriation.