Brazilian Federal Police froze BRL951.1 million ($190.22 million) in a Wednesday operation targeting unlicensed betting platforms suspected of laundering narcotics proceeds through underground gambling sites.
Court orders seized luxury real estate and high-end vehicles. Suspects are barred from promoting unlicensed platforms, and associated companies have been suspended. The operation, supported by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), is the third such action in July as authorities pursue the 'zero tolerance' policy for illegal betting declared by Finance Ministry official Dario Durigan.
Investigators say the group used digital influencers to advertise unauthorised sites, routing funds through shell companies to obscure the trail. Suspects' assets far exceed declared income. The platforms displayed logos of the Sigap betting management system and Conar self-regulatory advertising council to fake legitimacy without holding actual licences. Player deposits were redirected to unlicensed entities.
Police executed fourteen search warrants and two temporary arrest warrants issued by the 2nd Criminal Court of Vitória in Espírito Santo. The operation spanned six states: Espírito Santo, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Paraná, Paraíba and Sergipe. Charges include illegal gambling, money laundering, criminal association, drug trafficking and conspiracy.
