Politics · Brazil · 3 hrs ago
São Paulo police target illegal betting platforms in financial investigation
São Paulo police targeted operators of two illegal online betting platforms in an operation in the city of São Paulo and nearby Mogi das Cruzes.
Officers were carrying out three arrest warrants and six search warrants.
A court authorized asset freezes of up to 154 million reais, though police had not said how much was actually frozen.
Investigators say the platforms were part of a fraudulent online gambling scheme that caused losses for at least 10 million people.
The investigation began after complaints about unpaid winnings were flagged by Procon-SP, a consumer protection agency.
Police say the scheme moved more than 14 million reais in six months, using accounts to collect and shift money in ways that made it harder to trace.
The operation aims to find more victims and possible accomplices, but police had not given the number of people arrested.
São Paulo police launched an operation targeting operators of two illegal online betting platforms.
The operation is carrying out three arrest warrants and six search warrants in São Paulo city and Mogi das Cruzes.
A court authorized the seizure of assets and funds worth up to R$154 million.
Investigators say the targets were hidden beneficiaries of a fraudulent online gambling scheme that may have harmed at least 10 million people.
The investigation found that the scheme moved more than R$14 million in six months.
- Who
- São Paulo Civil Police, targeting operators of two illegal online betting platforms.
- What
- Operation Disque 151 is carrying out three arrest warrants and six search warrants. A court also authorized asset and fund seizures of up to R$154 million.
- When
- Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
- Where
- São Paulo city and Mogi das Cruzes, in the metropolitan region.
- Why
- Investigators say the platforms were linked to a fraudulent online gambling scheme and are seeking to target its financial core and identify other people involved.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The investigation began after consumers reported problems, especially unpaid betting prizes.
Investigators analyzed more than 38.5 million financial transactions and cross-checked information obtained through four court-authorized breaches of banking, tax and telematic secrecy.
São Paulo police launched Operation Disque 151, carrying out arrest and search warrants.
- Operation
- Disque 151
- Targets
- Operators of two illegal online betting platforms
- Warrants
- 3 arrest warrants; 6 search warrants
- Potential asset seizures
- Up to R$154 million
- Transactions analyzed
- More than 38.5 million
- Funds moved
- More than R$14 million in six months
Sources
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