Faustino da Costa, the Commissioner of Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) said any officer found guilty of bribing would have to defend their actions in front of the law.

"I have repeatedly told my members not to make illegal bills to people because I will not tolerate you," Costa said.

The move comes as Filomeno Paixao, the Minister of Defence and Security, said he had received video footage of immigration officers stationed in Dili and at land borders asking foreigners for money to process visa applications.