Former Big Brother Contestant Joel Ojeda Targeted in Argentina Gambling Raid

Argentinian investigators have launched a major crackdown on illegal online gambling promotions, with former Big Brother contestant Joel Ojeda now at the center of the case. Authorities raided his home in the Muñiz area of San Miguel as part of a sweeping operation led by Buenos Aires regulators and law enforcement agencies.

Good to Know

• The raid was one of over 30 simultaneous operations across Argentina.
• Authorities seized laptops, an iPhone 15, and nearly ARS400,000 in cash.
• More than 2,300 social media accounts linked to gambling ads were blocked.

According to officials, the raid was coordinated by the Buenos Aires City Lottery, the Judicial Police (CIJ), the DDI of San Miguel, and the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Gambling (FEJA). Investigators confiscated two laptops, an iPhone 15, and ARS398,930 (roughly $280) in cash during the search of Ojeda’s residence.

Police sources say Ojeda has been promoting and recruiting bettors on social media since January 2025, despite being questioned by prosecutors earlier this year. The promotional content allegedly directed users to unauthorized betting sites, a growing concern for Argentine regulators seeking to limit illegal gambling advertising online.

Ojeda took to X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the raid to reject the accusations. He wrote:

“I was never detained or handcuffed. Yes, 12 people raided my house looking for who knows what. Of course, they found nothing. They took my phone, my computer, and ARS400,000 from my mother’s pension.”

He continued criticizing the operation, saying:

“I think there are more important raids to be done in the country, don’t you think? It’s incredible, they turned my house upside down as if I were a drug trafficker, while real drug dealers walk free. Pure circus to cover up the things that are really important.”

Ojeda confirmed he plans to meet with prosecutors within 72 hours to respond to the allegations.

The enforcement push, headed by Jesús Acevedo from the Buenos Aires City Lottery, forms part of a wider joint effort involving FEJA, prosecutor Juan Rozas, and the Specialized Cybercrime Unit (UFEIC) of San Isidro under Alejandro Musso.

Authorities executed more than 30 simultaneous raids across the region, blocked 2,300 social media profiles and posts, and issued around 100 legal notices to individuals tied to online gambling promotions.

Commissioner Pablo Machicote, who led the operation, described it as a crucial step in an ongoing probe into underground betting networks. He said the investigation aims to dismantle organized operations using social media to recruit new players and promote unlicensed platforms across Argentina.

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