SNI and PSIK have managed to dismantle the online scam network suspected in Hotel Oe-Upu
AMBENO (TOP) - The National Intelligence Service (SNI) together with the Scientific Criminal Investigation Police (PSIK) on Monday, August 25, 2025, at approximately 21:00 pm, conducted a surprise visit, to search and seize illegal activities such as online scamming, online, which is allegedly authorized by the President of the Authority of the Special Administrative Region of Oé-kusi Ambeno (RAEOA), Rogério Tiago de Fátima Lobato.
The Oe-Kusi Post (TOP) observed in the field, the SNI and PSIK teams entered suddenly, and managed to quote both managers and workers, including quoting the Online Scamming application system.And, the joint team continues to identify more personnel or workers both Timorese and foreign in each room, but the fact shows that most are full of women from Indonesia, China, Malaysia and Singapore.
“You came here with an unclear objective, just to destroy the land of Santo Lifau,” a member of the joint team told the illegal women who had been hiding inside the Oe-Upu hotel for months.
Sabotage reaction
While the joint team was making efforts to gather these illegal foreign women in one place, suddenly the electricity went out, which is suspected, the workers inside directed the company to make noise at that time.
Therefore, the PSIK team continued to collect information on each worker from abroad, and managed to identify the main perpetrator who suddenly turned on the fire, the PSIK team investigated him, and showed the manager's phone number. Therefore, the PSIK team called directly to the manager of the company, he was still in Dili, to respond that he also found some adults who directed to close the fire.
The joint team hung up the phone, and called back to the EDTL Oe-Kusi Ambeno team, after a few minutes the EDTL Oe-Kusi Ambeno team arrived at the scene, and turned on the electricity at 01:30 pm. After the fire was extinguished, the SNI and PSIK teams continued to secure both Timorese and foreign workers in the workplace until noon, waiting for the continuation of the process to the Public Prosecution.
Ambeno people's reaction
During this time there were various counter reactions from the people of Ambeno on social media platform (Facebook) that the Five Star Hotel Oe-Upu Ambeno which previously became a place for the authorities to hold official ceremonies of the state, Government such as training, training, and socialization, including other activities of the Government, and others. Now the Five Star Hotel is suspected to have turned into an online gambling operation.
Atoni-Oan may be poor and small but not ignorant
Working hours, entry 09 am-exit 09 pm, Enter 11 am exit 11 pm. This shows that the international company is free to carry out its activities according to its wishes, beyond the working hours regulated by the Government of Timor-Leste.
There are also different rules, no phones, no photos and videos. PA-RAEOA, Mr. Rogerio Tiago Lobato in his political statements said will open jobs for thousands of Atoni-oan during this time his result is this. The Central Government needs to investigate the international company "Seagull Resort" which is currently suspected of using the Oe-Upu hotel.
President of the RAEOA Authority, Rogério Tiago Lobato on December 12, 2024 who signed an agreement with Core Management Corporation (CMC) to establish the Oe-Cusse Digital Center.
At that time, between the RAEOA Authority and the CMC considered December 12, 2024 as a historic movement to strengthen innovation, trade, and international investment, Rogério Tiago De Fátima Lobato, President of the Special Administrative Region (SAR) of Oe-Cusse, and the Corporate Management Center (CMC) represented by Executive Chairman Ken, Executive Director Vincent Yeoh, formally signed an agreement to advance the economic landscape of the region.
The agreement, signed on December 12, 2024, marks the official designation of the Oe-Cusse Ambeno Digital Center (ODC) as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ). This status aims to position the ODC as a leading hub for innovation, trade, and digital services. FTZ status will create an attractive environment for global businesses, offer a range of incentives and foster a thriving ecosystem for technological advancement, digital entrepreneurship, and trade.
In conjunction with this development, the Oe-Cusse Ambeno International Company Register (OICR) has been officially established. As the dedicated registry of offshore companies, OICR will provide comprehensive trading and banking solutions to international investors. OICR offers a strategic platform for businesses to manage and expand their global operations, taking advantage of Oecusse’s advantageous regulatory framework and strategic location. This initiative is in line with the government's vision to transform Oecusse into the next generation business hub in Asia.
Additionally, the ODZT – Oecusse Digital Zone Token, the first utility token endorsed by the government, will be issued for settlement and circulation within the ODC. The OICR will be the first primary agency to utilize the token for payment agreements, promoting efficiency and transparency for international investors.
As further support for the modernization of Oe-Cusse Ambeno, Zchwantech Titan Lda, represented by Steven and Khoo, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the RAEOA Authority to establish the National Digital ID Project and Travel. This innovative project will introduce a state-of-the-art system for paperless immigration clearance, significantly increasing efficiency and effectiveness. With this initiative, Oe-Cusse Ambeno will become the second country in Asia, after Singapore, to implement such an advanced digitalization plan.
The entire project will be fully funded by Zchwantech Titan as a gesture of support for national infrastructure development. This transformative project aligns with the government’s vision for modernization and will position Oecusse as a leader in digital governance and seamless travel solutions.
President Rogério Tiago De Fátima Lobato underlines the transformative potential of these initiatives: “The granting of Free Trade Zone status to the Oe-Cusse Ambeno Digital Center and the launch of the Oe-Cusse Ambeno International Company Register reflect our commitment to foster innovation, attract investment, and create opportunities for creation A more passive way will be to become a key player in the global digital and financial ecosystem.”
Core Management Corporation (CMC) Executive Chairman, Ken Lim added: "This partnership represents a significant step towards enhancing Oecusse's global competitiveness. OICR and FTZ status for ODC will provide international businesses with a strong platform to grow. We are honored to play a role in this visionary journey."
CMC Executive Director, Vincent Yeoh further noted: “Our focus remains on providing secure, efficient, and compliant solutions for international trade. The establishment of OICR is a testament to our commitment to facilitating smooth business operations for global investors.”
The Free Trade Zone and OICR are expected to attract significant international interest, positioning Oecusse as a center for innovation, trade, and investment in the region.
About Oe-Cusse Ambeno Digital Center (ODC)
ODC is designed to be a fully blockchain-powered ecosystem, offering facilities such as an international company registry, digital and innovation hub, eGaming support center, as well as entertainment and shopping facilities.
About Core Management Corporation (CMC)
CMC specializes in secure payment processing and governance solutions for the online gambling industry. Committed to excellence and compliance, CMC supports businesses with safe, efficient and innovative services.
In addition, although it has not received a license from the central government, especially from the Province of Gaming and Lottery, but Hotel Oe-Upu has been suspected of online scamming and become a good warehouse to import or important foreign workers to carry out fraudulent work.
The joint team will present the case for the first interrogation after completing 72 hours.
