Brazil’s Federal Police and the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office have launched “Operation Spark”, an investigation focused on an alleged money laundering structure connected to jogo do bicho, the country’s long-running illegal numbers lottery.
Authorities executed 16 search and seizure warrants across Rio de Janeiro and the coastal municipality of Mangaratiba, targeting addresses linked to a suspected criminal organization operating through petrol stations, convenience stores and asset management companies.
According to investigators, the group allegedly created a commercial structure using frontmen to conceal ownership of assets and facilitate tax evasion and money laundering activities.
Brazilian media reports said relatives of jailed gambling figure Rogério Andrade are among those under investigation. Andrade is considered one of the most prominent names historically associated with jogo do bicho operations in Rio de Janeiro. The alleged scheme is also believed to have roots dating back to the era of Castor de Andrade, a prominent gambling boss from the area who died in 1997.
Three civil police officers and one military police officer are also reportedly under investigation as part of the operation, although no warrants were issued against Andrade himself.
Federal Police said the investigation uncovered “a series of establishments secretly managed by those investigated,” describing the structure as an organized criminal group focused on financial crimes and illicit asset concealment.
The court additionally authorised the seizure of assets linked to the suspects, including luxury vehicles, company shares, properties and at least 16 boats.
Those targeted by the investigation could face charges including money laundering, ideological falsehood, tax evasion and criminal organization.
Jogo do bicho, which translates as “animal game,” is an illegal lottery-style betting system widely associated with organized crime networks in Brazil despite remaining culturally popular
