Police operation arrests influencers for promoting illegal betting in Brazil
On the morning of 20 March, a joint operation by the civil police of several Brazilian states resulted in the arrest of multiple digital influencers accused of promoting illegal gambling platforms, notably the so-called “Jogo do Tigrinho.” The actions took place in Ceará, Maranhão, Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Pernambuco, aiming to dismantle an alleged criminal association involved in crimes such as fraud, money laundering, and offences against the popular economy.
Luxury lifestyles used to promote illegal gambling
In Juazeiro do Norte, Ceará, influencers Janisson Moura, with over 21,000 followers; Milena Peixoto, with around 200,000 followers; and Victória Oliveira, with approximately 153,000 followers, were detained. Known for sharing humorous and lifestyle content, the trio frequently showcased a luxurious lifestyle on social media, including international travel, designer clothing, and expensive purchases. This display of wealth was used as a tool to attract followers to the illegal gambling platforms they promoted.
In Maranhão, influencer Gabi Cazimiro, with 390,000 followers, was arrested in Bacabal. Her husband, Paulo Vitor Cazimiro, who has 72,500 followers, was taken in for questioning after police found Mounjaro pens in his possession, a weight-loss medication whose sale is prohibited in the country. The couple gained visibility by sharing their family life on social media and founded the Instituto Davi Gabriel, named in honour of their deceased child. This institute is also under investigation, and authorities have seized luxury vehicles and electronic equipment belonging to the couple.
In Feira de Santana, Bahia, blogger Darley Felipe, with 173,000 followers, was detained. He is suspected of being one of those responsible for introducing the “Jogo do Tigrinho” to other influencers, including some of those arrested in Juazeiro do Norte. Investigations suggest that Darley and other influencers profited from their followers’ financial losses on illegal gambling platforms.
Influencers deceive followers with fake gambling wins
Authorities state that the detained influencers used sophisticated strategies to deceive their followers. They made use of “test accounts,” which allowed them to simulate high winnings in bets, creating the false impression that gambling was highly profitable. They also maintained direct contact with operators of the illegal platforms and referred other influencers to expand the reach of gambling promotions.
Police chief Geovane Morais commented that the influencers’ ostentatious display on social media, such as luxury travel and high-end purchases, served to mislead their followers, making them believe that their financial success resulted from gambling winnings. This strategy exploited followers’ trust, encouraging them to join illegal platforms in hopes of achieving similar results.
Government steps up efforts against gambling
In December 2023, was enacted, regulating fixed-odds betting in the country. This law addressed a legal gap at the time, establishing guidelines for the operation of these bets, known as “bets,” where the gambler knows the return rate at the time of placing the bet. The regulation covers both virtual and physical bets, real sporting events, online games, and virtual game events.
Despite the regulation, the law requires companies wishing to operate fixed-odds betting to obtain authorisation from the Ministry of Finance and meet a series of requirements, including consumer protection measures and gambling addiction prevention. Therefore, platforms operating without proper authorisation remain illegal, and their promotion by influencers constitutes a crime.
The rise of online gambling has raised concerns in Brazil, mainly due to the increasing cases of gambling addiction and financial distress among the population. Reports indicate that a significant portion of the country’s wage earnings has been directed towards gambling, even affecting beneficiaries of social programmes. In light of this scenario, the government has intensified efforts to regulate the sector, block illegal platforms, and implement measures to protect consumers.
This article was first published in Portuguese on 24 March 2025.
