Brazilian influencer Daay Carvalho has publicly responded after being targeted in a police operation investigating the promotion of illegal online raffles.
Carvalho was subject to a search and seizure warrant as part of an operation carried out by the Civil Police of Piauí.
The investigation focuses on the legality of prize draws promoted via social media, a model that has increasingly come under scrutiny from authorities due to similarities with unregulated betting mechanisms.
Carvalho confirmed she is cooperating with the investigation. “I received a visit from the authorities with a search and seizure at my home, and I am willing to collaborate and contribute to this investigation. I think the work of the police is fair... and yes, everything is within legality,” she said.
She also stated that her prize campaigns are authorized by Brazil’s insurance regulator. “My raffles operate legally, everything correctly, each edition, each campaign has individual authorization,” she added.
According to investigators, the operation resulted in the blocking of more than BR2m in assets linked to two influencers based in Parnaíba.
Authorities are examining whether the commercialization of raffle “quotas” may constitute irregular gambling activity or involve financial crimes such as fraud or money laundering.
“We are taking all possible measures and if this takes time, we will begin refunding all participants so that no one is left at a loss,” she said.
In a separate enforcement action, Brazilian police have also targeted schemes involving influencers using viral content, including motorcycle stunts, to promote illegal betting and raffle operations.
Brazil’s Health Minister has recently compared betting addiction to tobacco, calling for stricter advertising controls across the sector
