Civil Police in Brazil’s Federal District (DF) have launched a new operation targeting a group suspected of promoting fraudulent online gambling schemes and illegal operators.
Authorities executed eight search and seizure warrants across the Federal District and the states of Goiás, Maranhão, Paraíba, Rio de Janeiro and Bahia. Nine individuals are under investigation.
According to police, the scheme was uncovered following a July 2024 investigation centered on a digital influencer who allegedly promoted fake gambling winnings online while directing followers to manipulated betting links.
Investigators said users believed they were accessing legitimate betting platforms, but funds were allegedly diverted without real wagers being placed.
Police estimate the group moved approximately BR11m through the operation. One of the suspects reportedly registered average daily transactions of BR48,000. The individuals targeted by the operation may face charges related to criminal organization and fraud.
Fortune Tiger became one of the most recognizable online casino-style games in Brazil after a large wave of social media promotion involving influencers sharing supposed winning strategies and luxury lifestyles tied to gambling profits.
The game later became heavily associated with investigations into illegal betting activity and misleading advertising practices.
The development comes as political pressure against betting advertising continues to intensify in Brazil. Recently, the Senate’s Science and Technology Committee approved a bill that would ban advertising for fixed-odds betting and online gambling nationwide, while also prohibiting wagers linked to election results.
The proposal will now move to the Constitution and Justice Committee for further analysis.
Brazil’s federal self-exclusion platform for betting has surpassed 462,000 registered users in its first four months, according to data released by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting
