23 October 2014

Security Gaps of Timor-Leste: Attracts Organised Crime

ETLJB 23/10/2014 From Fundasaun Mahein - Mahein’s voice No.87 will talk about the operation of organised crime in Timor-Leste and will discuss aspects such as: falsifying the state’s documents, the drug trade, and circulation of counterfeit money, money laundering and other crimes.

Fundasaun Mahein (FM) has in the past, in reports that published in 2010, alerted the public of the presence organised crime in Timor-Leste. In addition to this in 2013, FM also published a report about new forms of the organized crime in Timor-Leste. These reports have all reported on the organised form of crime, transnational crime and the international networks that pose a threat to the Timor-Leste public.

Evidence of this threat is shown by incidents such as the following. On the 5th . September 2014, security forces halted the operation to a group that distributed drugs such as morphine and Chrystal hydrochloride from suspects “A” and “CL”, these drugs were from Singapore and were connected with Timorese citizens.

A similar connected with organised crime in Timor-Leste occurred on the 26th September 2014. On this date the security forces of Timor-Leste arrested some Timorese citizens and foreigners in Dili charged with falsifying documents such as; baptism and the RDTL certificates, driver license and  vehicle inspection documents (STNK), electoral card and other official documents. The amount of profit these groups is said to be able to earn by falsifying these documents is estimated between US$100.00 to $500.00 per day.

FM has also reported in the past of the presence of Counterfeit money another indicator of the presence of organised crime in Timor-Leste (Osan Falsu 02/09/14). At that time FM alerted that all citizens should pay attention and identify the money that they are receiving is legal tender, whether via a contract or from the market or anywhere else.

FM’s analysis has in the past noted that the main weakness of the security situation in Timor-Leste is its fragility and the security forces lack of equipment and resources to detect and control movement across the border or through the nation’s airports. The large maritime area around Timor-Leste poses another threat as the Navy also lacks sufficient capacity to effectively patrol such a vast area.

It is FM's opinion that Timor-Leste risks becoming a major hub of organised crime in the region unless the security forces acknowledge the threats posed by organized crime’s and take action against it.

Recomendations:

1. Recommends to the security authorities of Timor-Leste that they need to share the intelligence information with all others including Timor's neighbor countries for an integrated approach of tackling terrorist and criminal groups at a regional level.

2. Prepare better plans in regards to patrolling Timor-Leste's borders in order to prevent criminal groups from infiltrating in the nation.

3. Recommends to the security authorities and the relevant ministries of Timor-Leste to conduct direct inspections of any international entrepreneurs that are conducting business activities in TImor-Leste, as well as foreign citizens that are working in Timor-Leste.

4. Recommends to the security authorities and the relevant ministries to make an integrated plan for the rigorous supervision of import/export activities at the airport, seaport and the border posts.  Source: 08 October 2014 http://www.fundasaunmahein.org/2014/09/25/politika-krisaun-polisia-sientifika-investigasaun-kriminal-psik-parseiru-no-ameasa-ba-instituisaun-siguransa/

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