Brazil's Federal Police launched Operation Dark Bet to investigate and disrupt a criminal organization accused of recruiting and sending Brazilians abroad for labour exploitation and coercion into cybercrime activities linked to the online betting sector.
The investigation began after Nigerian authorities arrested 109 individuals in the country, including five Brazilians, on suspicion of cybercrime offences.
According to the Federal Police, the arrests uncovered a structured recruitment scheme that targeted Brazilians through social media and digital platforms.
Allegedly, recruiters offered high salaries and employment opportunities purportedly tied to companies operating in the online gaming and betting sector.
Once abroad, victims were allegedly subjected to abusive working conditions, including exhaustive workdays, retention of personal documents, restrictions on freedom of movement, armed surveillance and the imposition of debts that prevented them from leaving.
Investigators believe these measures were used to coerce individuals into participating in cybercrime operations.
The Federal Police allege that the Brazilians were hired by a sports betting company operating two platforms within Brazil.
Authorities are yet to disclose the names of the platforms but confirmed that both operate normally in the national market.
The Justice system also approved four temporary arrests and imposed precautionary measures, including the blocking and seizure of assets and financial resources.
In addition, the Federal Court ordered the suspension of the business activities of the legal entities involved and the immediate takedown of the two sports platforms connected to the investigation.
Those under investigation may face charges including international trafficking for labor exploitation, slavery, participation in a criminal organization and other related offences.
Brazil's Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation held public hearing to examine the technological structure used to block illegal operators
