Brazil’s Federal Police have launched Operation Aleatorius to investigate a company suspected of irregularly operating prize-linked capitalization bonds in Piauí, Ceará and Pernambuco, all Brazilian Northeast states.
The operation executed seven search and seizure warrants in Teresina, Juazeiro do Norte, Garanhuns and Caruaru.
The Federal Criminal Court of the Judicial Section of Piauí also ordered the suspension of the company’s activities while investigations continue.
According to the Federal Police, the company is suspected of exceeding the scope of authorizations granted by the competent body within the Ministry of Finance.
Authorities are examining whether commercial promotions were conducted outside approved regulatory limits and whether the allocation of funds complied with official rules.
During the searches, officers seized approximately BR850,000 in cash, as well as mobile phones and documentation that will now undergo forensic analysis.
Investigators believe the company may have organized frequent high-value prize draws using its own criteria for verification and public disclosure of results, potentially in breach of the approved regulatory framework.
Authorities warned that such practices could have led consumers to mistakenly believe that the draws were fully regular and officially authorized.
Investigators also identified signs of large financial transactions occurring outside the formal banking system.
These include possible structuring of payments and prize payouts in cash. The conduct under review may involve crimes such as money laundering, ideological falsehood, falsification of public seals or official markings and offenses against the tax system, among others.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities analyze the seized material and assess the financial flows linked to the scheme.
Brazil’s President Lula recently reiterated concerns over the social impact of online betting
