Brazil: Police arrest state deputy’s relatives in illegal gambling crackdown

Authorities in Mato Grosso do Sul, a Brazilian state, carried out an operation resulting in the arrest of the father and two brothers of state deputy Neno Razuk. 

The operation targets a criminal organization linked to jogo do bicho, an illegal lottery-style betting market that has historically fuelled other offences such as corruption, extortion and money laundering in Brazil.

According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPMS), the arrests took place in Dourados and form part of an effort involving 47 warrants across Mato Grosso do Sul, Goiás, Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul. 

The action resulted in the seizure of more than BR300,000 ($55,540) in cash, weapons, ammunition and illegal gambling machines. The individuals detained were identified as Roberto Razuk, the deputy’s father, and Rafael and Jorge Razuk, his brothers.

The ongoing inquiry suggests they controlled the gambling machines used for jogo do bicho both in the capital and in the state’s interior.

While deputy Neno Razuk was not targeted in this, he has been previously accused by the MPMS of leading the criminal group. 

The MPMS also linked the group to armed robberies committed during a territorial dispute for control of the market. 

These crimes, according to Brazil’s Special Action Group for Combating Organized Crime, were used to intimidate rival operators and consolidate the organisation’s position. 

A report from MPMS reiterates the risks associated with the activity, stating that “illegal gambling naturally fosters crimes such as corruption, extortion, money laundering and homicide.”

Investigators say they have now identified an additional 20 members tied to the group, including new leaders who allegedly helped expand the network across several municipalities.

David Thompson

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