Brazil: Bia Miranda and 14 other influencers targeted in illegal gambling investigation

Brazil’s Civil Police have launched a multi-state enforcement action targeting 15 influencers accused of promoting illegal online casino games, including “Jogo do Tigrinho”.

The investigation alleges links to money laundering, shell companies and suspected connections to organized crime.

Among those named are high-profile figures in the country such as Bia Miranda, a digital influencer who rose to fame in 2022 as runner-up on a national reality show and through her public family ties to a famous Brazilian singer.

Police say the network used social media to advertise unlicensed platforms with “false promises of easy profits,” driving followers to sign up via affiliate links.

According to the Financial Activities Control Council, suspicious bank transactions tied to the group and associated companies exceeded R$4.5bn. 

Investigators say contracts for promotional work were worth up to BR250,000 for three months, with some influencers allegedly keeping half of the losses incurred by referred players.

Authorities claim the casinos promoted could not be audited, lacked operational oversight and in some cases failed to pay winnings.

Police emphasised that these were not licensed sports betting operators, but prohibited online gambling sites under Brazilian law.

The investigation also found evidence of enrichment inconsistent with declared income as Bia Miranda allegedly moved BR4m in a single year. 

Payment processor Cash Pay Meios de Pagamento Ltda, co-owned by target Sun Chunyang, was identified as a key channel for illicit fund transfers.

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The operation, coordinated by the Civil Police’s Organised Crime and Money Laundering unit executed 31 search warrants across Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Minas Gerais. 

One suspect was arrested in São Paulo after officers found an unlicensed firearm at his home.

Police say the network was structured, with defined roles for promoters, financial operators and front companies. The investigation is still ongoing.

Carlos Mendez

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