Brazil Police Seize Millions in Operation as Gambling Activists Take Action

Brazil is seeing two very different sides of the online betting world. On one end, law enforcement just wrapped up a major operation targeting criminals using betting platforms to launder drug money. On the other, a new partnership focused on safer gambling is trying to guide bettors in a healthier direction.

Good to know

• Six suspects were arrested in a drug-money laundering case tied to online betting platforms.
• Over BRL 13 million in bank accounts and assets were frozen.
• Influencer Daniel Fortune and lawyer Beatriz Gimenez Costa launched an initiative for responsible gambling.

Authorities in São Paulo arrested six people during an investigation called Operação Cash Out. The Public Ministry of São Paulo (MPSP), along with the Military Police, executed 20 search warrants and froze BRL 13 million worth of cash, bank funds, real estate, and luxury items.

The suspects allegedly used online betting sites to clean profits from drug trafficking, buying property, vehicles, and other assets under the radar. Two members of the group were caught transporting nearly 300 kilograms of drugs, leading to further evidence of the scheme.

According to MPSP, the group operated out of Ribeirão Preto and trafficked drugs across multiple states. They said the criminals repeatedly laundered money using “financial applications, mainly through online betting platforms.”

The arrests come not long after Brazil’s Ministry of Finance signed an agreement to improve the country’s bet monitoring system—highlighting just how urgent better controls may be.

Daniel Fortune pushes for safer gambling

While some use betting platforms to mask illegal activity, others are working hard to make the space safer. Influencer Daniel Fortune, who speaks about responsible gambling on social media, announced a new collaboration with Beatriz Gimenez Costa, a legal expert in iGaming compliance.

Costa is vice president of the Betting and Responsible Gambling Commission at the São Paulo section of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB-SP). Together, the pair wants to provide more accessible information to gamblers, especially younger audiences.

“The goal is to make gambling a positive, rather than destructive, experience,” Costa said. “We are joining forces to raise awareness, inform and educate this audience. This partnership was born with the clear purpose of protecting the player.”

Support network expands for gambling addiction

Their efforts are backed by EBAC (Brazilian Support Company for Compulsive Gamblers), which offers free help to people battling gambling problems. Fortune is now the first influencer in the betting space to work directly with EBAC.

He explained, “This partnership with EBAC is a milestone. People need to know there is help available for those losing control and that it is possible to enjoy gambling safely and responsibly. I believe in lighthearted, fun, and above all, conscious gambling.”

The team plans to grow their reach through educational campaigns, hoping operators and platforms join them in promoting responsible gambling practices across Brazil.

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