Rio police to analyse evidence from influencers tied to illegal betting

The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro will begin analysing materials seized during last week’s operation targeting influencers suspected of promoting illegal online gambling.

Authorities say accused targets moved around BR40m ($7.1m) over two years.

In the coming days, investigators plan to hear statements from several of those under investigation, including influencers Bia Miranda and Maurício Martins Júnior, known as Maumau, who has more than 3 million followers online. 

In a video posted on social media, Maumau said his arrest was due to police finding a firearm at his home, which he claimed was a gift from a friend after a shooting range video last year. 

He stated that he was unaware the weapon had a defaced serial number and that it had been stored in a shoebox without use since.

According to Maumau, police were carrying out a search warrant related to another police report, involving a company he said was unrelated to him. 

Good to know: The influencer was arrested in Arujá, a city in São Paulo, last Thursday

According to him, when asked about money, drugs or valuables, he told officers he had none and voluntarily handed over the weapon.

The influencer denied his arrest was connected to gambling activity, saying he has worked with a betting company for two years that is “100% legalised”.

He added that his role in the company is limited to advertising and that he gets no share of follower losses.

Carlos Mendez

Writer

Odds tell a story long before the result does. When bettors learn to read that story properly, betting becomes a matter of discipline and value rather than emotion or guesswork.

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