Brazilian authorities have intensified scrutiny on influencer-led promotion of betting platforms, following a new development involving influencer Bia Miranda as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal gambling operations.
Police executed a search and seizure warrant at Miranda’s residence as part of the second phase of Operation Unfortune, an initiative targeting the use of digital channels to promote unlicensed betting services.
During the operation, authorities seized approximately $40,000 in prop money, alongside electronic devices, jewelry and a vehicle. Financial accounts linked to the influencer were also subject to blocking requests.
According to investigators, the influencer allegedly used staged imagery, including prop money, to enhance the perceived profitability of betting activity and attract users to online platforms.
Authorities argue that such content is part of a strategy employed by illegal operators to drive engagement and user acquisition through social media.
Miranda denied the allegations, stating that the prop currency was intended for aesthetic purposes in social media content and not for misleading followers. Her legal team emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that no conviction has been issued.
The case follows earlier enforcement actions involving the same individual and is linked to intelligence shared by Brazil’s regulator, the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), which has been actively monitoring influencer advertising practices within the sector.
Concerns center on the role of social media personalities in promoting unlicensed operators, often without clear disclosure or regulatory oversight.
Brazilian authorities are also investigating a broader illegal betting scheme involving digital influencers and offshore platforms, which allegedly generated more than $9.2m
