‘Death list’ influencer released from prison in Brazil

Maranhão Court of Justice has granted habeas corpus to influencer Tainá Sousa, overturning her preventive detention imposed in August as part of Operation Dinheiro Sujo (“Dirty Money”). 

The court determined that there was not enough evidence to justify keeping Sousa imprisoned while the investigation continues.

Sousa had been accused of leading a group that allegedly laundered money through the promotion of “Jogo do Tigrinho” or Fortune Tiger, a non-authorized slot-style gambling platform in Brazil. 

According to the Civil Police, she and other influencers were paid to create misleading advertisements simulating winnings, encouraging followers to sign up and deposit funds on unregulated websites.

The operation led to the seizure of assets, including luxury vehicles and a jet ski, as well as the blocking of more than BR11.4m. 

Police also identified an organizational structure involving three groups of participants: influencers responsible for recruitment, individuals handling finances and a lawyer accused of coordinating money laundering.

Investigators cited intercepted conversations in which Sousa allegedly referred to a list of public figures who opposed illegal gambling operations. Her defense has contested these claims, arguing that the interpretation of the messages was flawed.

Good to know: Earlier this year, Brazilian authorities questioned another influencer for promoting illegal gambling to a vulnerable audience

Sousa’s social media accounts, which had over 120,000 followers, were blocked by court order. 

She has also faced unrelated criminal proceedings in the past, including fraud and animal mistreatment. Despite her release, the influencer remains under investigation for money laundering, organized crime and corruption.

Alex Rivera

Writer

My goal is to explain how gaming, esports, and betting intersect in ways that readers can actually understand, without stripping away the entertainment that makes the space compelling.

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