The Instagram accounts of Brazilian artist MC Ryan and influencer Chrys Dias have been taken offline following their arrests in a Federal Police operation investigating a BR1.6bn illegal betting and money laundering scheme.
Both figures had built massive online audiences, with more than 15 million and 14 million followers respectively, and were widely associated with luxury lifestyles frequently showcased across social media.
According to investigators, the alleged scheme combined revenues from unlicensed betting platforms, illegal online raffles and international drug trafficking.
Authorities said funds were initially collected from large volumes of users through these channels before being dispersed across multiple bank accounts to obscure their origin.
Police described a structured network involving financial operators, intermediaries and companies responsible for redistributing and reintroducing the money into the formal financial system.
“Through payment processors, they were able to circulate a significant amount of money,” said Federal Police delegate Marcelo Maceira. “They then moved into the final stages of laundering, decentralising resources and using intermediaries to make tracing more difficult.”
A key element of the operation involved the use of influencers and public figures to promote betting platforms and digital raffles.
Dias, for example, had gained visibility by advertising high-value prize draws, including vehicles and real estate, which investigators believe were part of the scheme.
“These public figures with large audiences can move significant sums without immediately triggering compliance systems,” Maceira explained, adding that they are often “easily recruited” by criminal organisations.
Investigators also pointed to the use of companies linked to the entertainment sector to give the proceeds an appearance of legitimacy. Illicit funds were allegedly used to finance artistic careers, including covering performance fees and other expenses.
As the money moved through the system, it was eventually converted into high-value assets such as real estate, luxury vehicles and jewellery, items frequently displayed on social media, marking what police describe as the final stage of laundering.
Police executed 33 arrest warrants and 45 search operations as part of the ongoing investigation
