Goiás police seek to block up to R$40m in illegal betting investigation
Enforcement & compliance2 min read
Goiás Civil Police launched an investigation into suspected electronic fraud, financial scams and illegal betting, seeking court-authorised asset freezes of up to R$40 million. Officers are executing 40 judicial measures across seven Brazilian states; police have also contacted Interpol and US authorities over a suspect in the United States, whose location had not been confirmed.
Goiás Civil Police launched an operation against a group suspected of electronic fraud, financial scams and illegal betting, according to a commentary on a Brazilian betting industry site. The operation provides for a court-ordered freeze of up to R$40m in the suspects' assets and funds.
The State Criminal Investigations Department is coordinating the inquiries through its fraud and scams unit. Authorities issued 40 precautionary measures, including 12 temporary arrest warrants and 27 home search and seizure warrants. The warrants are being executed in seven Brazilian states.
The investigation began after a false fundraising campaign was identified. The suspects allegedly used a fake video of a nationally prominent religious leader to solicit donations and induce victims to transfer money. The leader's identity was not disclosed. Investigators subsequently found indications of a wider criminal organisation. The group used financial technology companies and payment processors to receive and move funds connected to electronic fraud and unauthorised betting.
Police sought cooperation from US authorities and contacted Interpol over a suspect who lives in the United States. The measures used include a red notice requesting the location of internationally wanted people. The notice does not mean an arrest has been made outside Brazil. When the initial information was released, the suspect's location had not been confirmed.
The asset freeze is precautionary. Police had not disclosed the exact number of identified victims or the amount obtained through the alleged scheme, so the freeze does not represent proven losses. Investigators expect to examine material collected in searches and financial transactions linked to the suspects. They aim to identify those responsible for the operations, establish how payment companies were used and trace the funds obtained through the activities under investigation.