INTERNATIONAL, (LIBERDADETL.com) — The security authorities of Timor-Leste have formally handed over an Indonesian fugitive, identified by the initials FRCM (21), to Indonesian Immigration officials at the Batugade–Mota-Ain border crossing, following his arrest in Dili earlier this week.
FRCM is suspected of involvement in an alleged sexual assault case against a minor, identified as K (17), in Atambua, Indonesia, last month.
According to official information, the suspect fled Indonesian territory and entered Timor-Leste through an illegal land route.
Upon receiving information that the suspect had crossed into Timor-Leste, Indonesian security authorities in Nusa Tenggara Timur initiated intensive coordination with the General Command of the Polícia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL), particularly through the Police Intelligence Service Directorate (DSIP).
Within less than three days of coordination, Timorese police located and apprehended the suspect at a family residence in the Tasi-Tolu area, within Suco Comoro, Administrative Post of Dom-Aleixo, Municipality of Dili. Following his arrest, he was transferred to the Migration Service for identification and administrative processing.
Authorities confirmed that FRCM resides in Kampung Halirem, Desa Lirak, Kecamatan Atambua Selatan, Kabupaten Belu, Indonesia.
He reportedly entered Timor-Leste on 29 January 2026 and was arrested by PNTL officers on 23 February 2026.
Based on strong bilateral cooperation between Indonesian security authorities and Timor-Leste’s law enforcement agencies, the Timor-Leste Migration Service officially repatriated the suspect on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.
The handover took place at the Batugade border post, where he was transferred to Indonesian Immigration authorities for further legal investigation and judicial proceedings.
The repatriation process was led by the Director-General of the Operational Service Directorate and was accompanied by the Security Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, the Consul of Timor-Leste in Kupang, the Indonesian Immigration Attaché in Atambua, the Commander of the Border Patrol Unit (UPF), and the Head of the Batugade Migration Service Post.
Officials emphasized that the swift arrest and repatriation demonstrate the effectiveness of cross-border security collaboration between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, particularly in handling fugitives and transnational crimes.
The coordinated response underscores both countries’ commitment to upholding the rule of law and preventing the misuse of border areas as safe havens for individuals evading justice.
The suspect is now under Indonesian jurisdiction and will face further investigation in connection with the alleged offense.
