Influencers in Brazil Accused of Pushing Unlicensed Gambling Sites

Brazil’s Civil Police have carried out a major operation across three states targeting a network of influencers accused of pushing unlicensed online casino platforms — including the game known as “Jogo do Tigrinho” — to millions of followers. The investigation links the promotions to money laundering, shell companies, and suspected ties to organized crime.

Good to know

• The network allegedly moved more than R$4.5 billion in suspicious transactions.
• Promotional contracts were reportedly worth up to BRL 250,000 for three months.
• Some influencers allegedly earned a share of player losses.

Among those investigated is Bia Miranda, a well-known Brazilian influencer who gained fame in 2022 as a reality show runner-up and through her family connection to a popular Brazilian singer. Police say she moved BRL 4 million in just one year — an amount far beyond her declared income.

Authorities allege the influencers used their platforms to lure followers with “false promises of easy profits,” sending them to unregulated gambling sites via affiliate links. These platforms, police say, lacked any form of independent auditing, operated without proper oversight, and in some cases failed to pay out winnings.

How the Scheme Allegedly Worked

Investigators believe the operation had a clear hierarchy:

• Promoters — high-visibility influencers who advertised the platforms.
• Financial operators — individuals managing money flows.
• Front companies — businesses used to disguise the origin of funds.

Contracts for promotional work reportedly reached BRL 250,000 for a three-month campaign. In some arrangements, influencers were said to receive half of the gambling losses generated by players they referred.

The Financial Activities Control Council reported suspicious transactions exceeding R$4.5 billion, involving the network and linked companies. Payment processor Cash Pay Meios de Pagamento Ltda, co-owned by Sun Chunyang, was identified as a key channel for these transfers.

Multi-State Police Action

The Civil Police’s Organised Crime and Money Laundering unit coordinated the operation, executing 31 search warrants in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais. One suspect was taken into custody in São Paulo after officers found an unlicensed firearm at his residence.

Authorities stressed that the platforms being promoted were not licensed sports betting sites but illegal gambling operations under Brazilian law. The investigation remains ongoing.

Not the First Case

This latest enforcement action comes just a week after Brazilian influencer Tainá Sousa was arrested on allegations of running an illegal betting scheme and compiling a so-called “death list.” Police see the two cases as part of a broader crackdown on illegal gambling promotions in Brazil.

FAQ

Is “Jogo do Tigrinho” legal in Brazil?

No. It is an unlicensed online casino game and falls under prohibited gambling activities.

How much money was allegedly moved through this network?

Investigators cite over R$4.5 billion in suspicious financial transactions.

What charges could the suspects face?

Possible charges include promoting illegal gambling, money laundering, and organized crime involvement.

Summary

Brazilian authorities are stepping up efforts to dismantle influencer-led gambling promotions. The ongoing investigation points to a well-structured operation linking social media campaigns to illegal online casinos, money laundering, and organized crime. With high-profile figures like Bia Miranda under scrutiny, the case highlights how digital influence can be used to push illicit platforms to unsuspecting audiences.

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