Five influencers targeted in Brazil AML operation
Police seized luxury assets linked to illegal gambling promotion made by five influencers.
Key Points
- Influencer Tainá Sousa is accused of leading a scheme promoting illegal gambling via social media
- Authorities seized vehicles and blocked over BR11.4m ($2.1m) in assets
- The group allegedly lured victims into slot-style games with promises of fast profit
Civil Police in São Luís, a city in the Northeast of Brazil, launched an operation targeting five influencers accused of promoting illegal gambling and laundering money.
The central figure is Tainá Sousa, who police allege led the group by advertising the controversial “Jogo do Tigrinho,” or Fortune Tiger, in a slot-style gambling platform on social media.
Although the police requested Sousa’s arrest, the court denied it and instead imposed precautionary measures.
According to Delegate Pedro Adão, these include a ban on leaving the country, surrendering her passport, a block on social media accounts and prohibition from accessing online platforms.
Authorities say the group used misleading content to attract followers with promises of high earnings through illegal games.
Followers were reportedly guided to sign up and deposit funds into gambling sites, with some then added to WhatsApp groups managed under Sousa’s name.
The group allegedly operated in a structured hierarchy, with different members responsible for marketing, recruitment and financial handling.
A lawyer linked to the group is suspected of managing the laundering process, including acquiring high-end cars registered under third parties and funnelling money through intermediaries and bank investments.
Good to know: Other Brazilian influencers were recently found not guilty in a separate Fortune Tiger betting case
The court authorised the seizure of assets including luxury vehicles such as a Range Rover Velar, a Range Rover Evoque, a BMW, a Toyota Hilux and a jet ski. A total of BR11.4m in assets were blocked as part of the operation.
Investigations are ongoing. The influencers have not yet responded to the accusations.
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