The Civil Police of Mato Grosso has launched Operation Lost Bet, targeting an alleged criminal group investigated for money laundering, criminal association and the exploitation of illegal online gambling.
The operation involves 34 court orders issued by the Justice 4.0 Unit of the Judge of Guarantees, Cuiabá Hub.
These include seven search and seizure warrants, two suspensions of economic activities, two social media account freezes, five property seizures, four vehicle seizures, four precautionary passport seizures and 10 freezes on personal and corporate bank accounts totaling R$10m ($1.8m).
Warrants are being served in Cuiabá and Várzea Grande, both in Mato Grosso and Itapema, in Santa Catarina.
Investigators from the Organized Crime Combat Management and the Specialized Organized Crime Repression Unit, with support from the Intelligence Directorate, identified what they describe as a structured scheme involving the promotion and intermediation of illegal betting platforms.
The games were referred to locally as “jogo do tigrinho,” or “little tiger game.”
Authorities said the platforms were promoted through social media using promises of high and easy winnings. Police also said the operating model showed characteristics of a Ponzi scheme, with returns dependent on the entry of new users.
The main target is alleged to have coordinated financial transactions and used companies and assets to disguise the origin of funds. Investigators cited fragmented transactions, shell companies, simulated deals and the use of front men as mechanisms to hinder financial tracking.
Police also identified the wife and sister-in-law of the main suspect as alleged participants in the scheme. Both are accused of using influencer accounts to promote illegal gambling platforms, including through posts, links and demo accounts designed to simulate winnings.
Authorities said the group’s lifestyle, including luxury real estate, imported vehicles and frequent travel, appeared inconsistent with declared income.
The operation forms part of Operation Pharus under Mato Grosso’s Zero Tolerance Program. It is also connected to Renorcrim, the national network of specialized units combating criminal organizations.
In related Brazil market context, Mato Grosso do Sul authorities began assessing Prohards in March to determine whether it could operate the planned Lotesul lottery platform, after the initial bidder was disqualified during the tender process.
The investigation cited imported vehicles including BMWs, Land Rovers and Porsches among assets allegedly inconsistent with declared income
