Politics · Brazil · 3 hrs ago
São Paulo police target illegal betting platforms in fraud investigation
São Paulo police launched an operation against operators of two illegal online betting platforms on Tuesday.
Three people were arrested, and officers carried out searches in the city of São Paulo and nearby Mogi das Cruzes.
Investigators say the scheme caused losses for at least 10 million people.
The case drew attention after Procon-SP, a consumer protection agency, saw a rise in complaints, especially from people who said they were not paid promised winnings.
Investigators say the group moved more than R$14 million in six months and used informal accounts to hide and spread the money.
A court authorized the freezing of assets worth up to R$154 million to restrict the group’s finances.
Police are looking for more victims and possible links to other parts of the group.
São Paulo state police arrested three people in an operation targeting operators of two illegal online betting platforms.
Investigators say the scheme caused losses to at least 10 million victims.
Police carried out search and seizure warrants in São Paulo city and Mogi das Cruzes.
A court authorized the blocking of assets and funds that could total R$154 million.
Investigators say the group moved more than R$14 million in six months using accounts designed to make the money harder to trace.
- Who
- São Paulo state police targeted operators of two illegal online betting platforms.
- What
- The police arrested three people and carried out searches as part of a fraud investigation.
- When
- Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
- Where
- São Paulo city and Mogi das Cruzes, in the São Paulo metropolitan region.
- Why
- Investigators say the platforms were part of a scheme that caused losses to at least 10 million victims, including through unpaid promised prizes.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Procon-SP began following the case after detecting a rise in consumer complaints about illegal bets, especially complaints about promised prizes not being paid.
Investigators analyzed about 38.5 million financial operations and accounts and traced more than R$14 million in transactions over six months.
Police arrested three people and carried out search and seizure warrants in São Paulo city and Mogi das Cruzes.
- People arrested
- 3
- Platforms targeted
- 2 illegal online betting platforms
- Reported victims
- At least 10 million
- Potential asset block
- Up to R$154 million
- Financial activity analyzed
- About 38.5 million operations and accounts
- Money moved
- More than R$14 million in six months
Sources
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