Brazil's Ministry of Justice has published ordinance No. 1287 setting out administrative procedures for seizing assets frozen from illegal betting operators. The ministry estimates the total at over R$1bn ($194.2m).
The National Public Security Secretariat (Senasp) will handle the process. It receives documentation from the Secretariat for Awards and Betting (SPA), conducts administrative review, and forwards cases to the Attorney General's Office. Seized funds flow into the National Public Security Fund, with priority given to direct transfers to states and the Federal District.
'We are creating a pathway so that money from illegal activity returns to society in the form of public security,' said national security secretary Chico Lucas. Once administrative and judicial procedures are complete, more than R$1bn could strengthen the fund and expand investment capacity in infrastructure, technology and operational capability.
The ordinance establishes a Procedural Investigation Commission of at least three civil servants to review documentation, notify the interested party, gather evidence and prepare a final report. The interested party has 15 days to file a defence, submit documents and request expert analysis. Decisions by the DGFNSP directorate can be appealed.
The ordinance also covers data-sharing with other agencies: where evidence of criminal offences is found, materials go to the prosecutor's office and police; tax violations are referred to the Federal Revenue Service and treasury.
