With UN support, Timorese police arrest nearly 100 in gambling raids

The United Nations has supported the Timorese police in a campaign against illegal gambling rings in Dili, where nearly 100 people were arrested over the weekend.

According to the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), police from the country on Saturday also had support from the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) when they raided three illegal gambling venues in central Dili.

Each gambling hall was found to have more than 50 gambling machines. In total, police seized over 250 machines and $20,000 in cash. Ninety people were arrested for identification, and a further four were detained and are facing charges. Police also seized a pen gun, 9mm ammunition and a glock magazine from one owner's residence.

Atul Khare, the head of the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), hailed the success of this operation, saying it demonstrated the “excellent cooperation” between UN and Timorese police.

He also praised the arrest of a person suspected of a killing in Viqueque last week, calling it evidence of the “growing strength of the security sector of Timor-Leste.”