The Commander of the Criminal investigation Services (SIK) Unit of the National Police PNTL, Head Inspector Ludgerio Lay, said it had seized 124 slot machines over unpaid taxes.
Lay said 42 machines had been seized in Timor Plaza, 43 in Audian and 39 in Hudi Laran.
“It’s been a year and the case is in the court and it’s in the investigation process,” said Lay in Dili.
He said a report had been provided to SIK from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Environment (MCIA) identifying companies that were breaking the law.
“We identify these places and it’s true that those people have not paid their taxes and are breaking the law, [so] therefore we seized them,” he said.
He explained that slot machines are played by both children and adults.
However, Member of National Parliament MP Franscisco da Costa said regulations governing gaming machines had not been well implemented.
“Everyone should obey the law and regulations,” said da Costa.
While the government allows any citizen to invest in Timor-Leste, he said they must also abide by the country’s laws.
“We give permission, but revenue must be paid to the state by paying taxes,” he said.
Resident Lucio Amaral called on police to continue their investigations, adding that there were many illegal gaming machines across the country.
