Brazil's Ministry of Justice and Public Security has launched an administrative procedure to seize more than R$1bn frozen in accounts linked to illegal betting operators. Portaria MJSP No. 1,287/2026 was signed by justice minister Wellington César Lima e Silva on 2 September and published the following day.
The funds remain blocked pending the outcome of the administrative process and a subsequent court ruling on forfeiture. Only after judicial confirmation can the money be transferred to the National Public Security Fund (FNSP). The procedure is handled by the National Public Security Secretariat (Senasp) through its DGFNSP directorate. Cases are referred by the Ministry of Finance's Secretariat for Prizes and Betting (SPA); DGFNSP reviews documentation, investigates and issues a first-instance decision. If forfeiture is upheld, the case moves to the Attorney General's Office (AGU) for legal action.
National security secretary Chico Lucas said the sum exceeds R$1bn and could strengthen the FNSP and raise investment in states and the federal district once the process is complete. 'We are creating a pathway for money from illegal activity to return to society in the form of public security,' Lucas said.
Affected parties have 15 days to submit a defence and 10 days to appeal, with appeals heard by the justice minister. The administrative decision alone does not transfer funds to the state; a court order is required.
