The Public Prosecutor’s Office of Rio de Janeiro launched the second phase of an operation targeting the alleged involvement of police officers in providing armed protection to illegal gambling operator Rogério Andrade.
Andrade held a jogo do bicho venue and remains incarcerated in connection with a separate case involving murder.
Two retired military police officers were arrested during the operation. The action was carried out with support from the Military Police’s internal affairs division.
According to prosecutors from the Special Group for Combating Organized Crime, Andrade and the two former officers were charged with forming a criminal organization aimed at the illegal exploitation of gambling activities and acts of active corruption.
Investigators allege that the retired officers were part of Andrade’s personal security team, providing protection services to him and members of his family.
Prosecutors also claim that one of the policemen bribed an active-duty police officer to obtain confidential information on law enforcement operations and to influence police actions against rival illegal gambling groups.
Investigations indicate that conflicts linked to territorial control of jogo do bicho operations between 1999 and 2007 resulted in dozens of deaths, including police officers allegedly working for rival groups.
The first phase of the operation, carried out in March 2024, resulted in the arrest of 18 police officers and the execution of around 50 search and seizure warrants.
Prosecutors said members of the group referred to themselves as “Vampires” and worked to shield illegal gambling operations, interfere with police actions and monitor public officials.
Jogo do bicho is an illegal numbers-based lottery in Brazil that dates back to the late 19th century and has long been linked to organized crime, corruption and the financing of criminal networks
