Brazilian authorities have arrested five individuals in an operation targeting the leadership of an illegal gambling network linked to jogo do bicho in Rio de Janeiro.
The action was carried out by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Rio de Janeiro (MPRJ) through its organized crime unit (Gaeco), with 18 search and seizure warrants executed across multiple neighborhoods in the city’s North and West zones.
During the operation, authorities also seized 450 slot machines as well as equipment used in clandestine bingo operations.
According to investigators, the group is associated with Marcos Paulo Moreira da Silva, who is currently imprisoned. Among those arrested was Carlos Henrique de Jesus, allegedly responsible for the group’s financial operations and described as a key figure within the organization.
Prosecutors said the investigation aims to gather evidence related to illegal gambling operations, money laundering and organized crime activities, as well as links to violent disputes in the region.
Authorities also point to connections with past criminal structures tied to Fernando Iggnácio, a figure previously associated with illegal lottery operations in the state.
Jogo do bicho, which translates to “animal game,” is an informal lottery system that originated in Brazil in the late 19th century.
Despite its widespread popularity, it has been illegal since 1946 and is often associated with organized crime networks due to its unregulated nature and cash-based operations.
Investigations remain ongoing, and officials have indicated that further developments may follow as additional evidence is analyzed.
Decree-Law No. 9,215 of 1946 banned land-based casinos and formalized the illegality of jogo do bicho, restrictions that remain in place today despite ongoing debates around legalisation
