Brazil’s Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPF) opened an investigation into possible CAIXA Loterias system failures during the 2025 Mega da Virada. The inquiry follows reports that bettors were charged for bets the system did not process; CAIXA had not commented on the investigation.
The inquiry could examine whether lottery bets were processed after bettors had been charged.
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Caixa Econômica Federal will open betting for Brazil’s Mega da Virada 2025 on 21 December, with the draw scheduled for 31 December. The special contest carries an estimated R$850 million prize, and the source says the total could reach R$1 billion depending on betting volume. A government ordinance raised the share allocated to winners of all six numbers from 62% to 90% for this edition.
Caixa has rescheduled the 2026 Mega da Virada draw from 31 December to 1 January. The report cites operational adjustments and estimates a R$1bn prize.
It was reported that Rio prosecutors launched Operation Aposta Suja on 13 August. Investigators alleged the network moved at least R$1.4bn between 2022 and 2026, with searches authorised across three states.
Reportedly, Brazil's Federal Police has established DRAME, a unit investigating illegal betting and manipulation of sporting contests. The division sits within CGLA, which handles money laundering investigations and asset recovery.
Brazil’s Federal Police launched Operation Véu de Maia on 6 July to investigate alleged money laundering and currency evasion linked to illegal fixed-odds betting. Investigators said the group used 87 companies to move funds and served nine search warrants across Goiás, São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul. The investigation began after information from the Ministry of Finance’s Secretariat of Prizes and Betting, and suspects may face charges including money laundering and organised crime.