PCIC celebrates its 12th anniversary, highlighting its efforts to combat transnational crime and to strengthen the justice sector
The Forensic Criminal Investigation Police (PCIC – acronym in Portuguese) celebrated its 12th anniversary today, May 14th, 2026, at a ceremony presided over by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, highlighting the institution’s role in combating organised and transnational crime and in strengthening the justice sector in Timor-Leste. 
In his remarks, the Prime Minister emphasised that the work carried out by the PCIC contributes not only to strengthening the institution but also to consolidating the rule of law and the justice sector.
“By carrying out their duties with professionalism, dedication, and impartiality, they are not only helping to strengthen the PCIC but also to consolidate the justice sector,” he said.
The Head of Government also emphasised that “the Scientific and Criminal Investigation Police, together with other police forces and criminal investigation agencies, as well as judicial authorities, therefore, play a decisive role in establishing the rule of law and consolidating its institutions.”
During his speech, the Prime Minister looked back on the country’s journey since the restoration of independence and called for reflection on the current state-building challenges.
“From the ashes, we have built a peaceful and stable country; we have established public institutions and organised a free and democratic society in which every citizen has the opportunity to participate in and contribute to the building of the state,” he said.
The Prime Minister also noted that judicial reform remains a priority for the 9th Constitutional Government, with an emphasis on training personnel and strengthening institutions.
“Judicial reform is one of the priorities of the 9th Constitutional Government, which has been investing, in particular, in training personnel for the sector,” he said.
At the ceremony, the National Director of the PCIC, Vicente Fernandes e Brito, provided an overview of the agency's operations, highlighting efforts to combat cybercrime, computer fraud, money laundering, and transnational crime.
Among the results presented were the recovery of US$42 million linked to cyber fraud, the dismantling of a fraud ring in Oe-Cússe, and operations addressing crimes involving the theft of bank card data from ATMs and cyberattacks targeting the public administration.
The National Director of the PCIC stated that Timor-Leste “is not, and never will be, a safe haven for transnational impunity,” highlighting the work carried out in cooperation with national institutions and international partners.
During the ceremony, the new PCIC institutional website was also unveiled. It is available in Portuguese, Tetum, and English and features an anonymous crime-reporting service. The platform was developed with support from the Australian Federal Police through the Timor-Leste Police Development Program (TLPDP).
