Brazilian authorities have arrested seven individuals in an operation targeting illegal gambling and money laundering activities linked to the traditional but illegal “jogo do bicho” lottery, as enforcement efforts continue to focus on unregulated betting networks.
The operation, named Corujão (“Big Owl”), was carried out in the municipality of Januária, in the state of Minas Gerais, and focused on a family-run group that had allegedly been operating for more than two decades.
According to the Civil Police of Minas Gerais, the organization maintained a structured hierarchy, with defined roles including leadership, accountants, managers and street-level operators.
Investigators said the group’s activities expanded significantly over time, reaching what authorities described as “million-level” financial volumes. To conceal the origin of funds, the suspects allegedly created businesses in sectors such as construction materials and gas distribution, which were used to integrate illicit proceeds into the formal economy.
The operation resulted in the execution of 10 search and seizure warrants, alongside court orders to block bank accounts and freeze both movable and immovable assets linked to the suspects. Police also seized 10 vehicles, cash, mobile phones and documents considered relevant to the investigation.
According to delegate Flávio Cavalcanti Rocha, the case required detailed financial tracking to follow the flow of money from initial collection through to laundering mechanisms.
Operation Corujão follows a previous enforcement action conducted in January 2024, which had already targeted the same group. In that earlier phase, authorities carried out 15 search warrants, arrested seven individuals and secured the freezing of approximately BR10m ($1.9m) in assets.
All individuals arrested have been transferred to the prison system and remain at the disposal of the judiciary, with investigations ongoing.
Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies is preparing to vote on an urgent bill focused on gambling addiction
