Brazilian authorities seized assets valued at $187.3m on July 16, 2026, during Operation Slots targeting an illegal betting network. Federal Police and the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets executed the seizure across six states to disrupt a scheme allegedly funding drug trafficking.
Following a court order, investigators confiscated funds, luxury vehicles, and high-end real estate. The operation involved 14 search and seizure warrants and two temporary arrest warrants issued by the 2nd Criminal Court of Vitória/ES. Authorities suspended the activities of companies linked to the scheme and prohibited suspects from promoting unlicensed betting platforms.
Investigation Details and Allegations
The probe alleges that the group utilized online influencers to market gambling operators without proper licenses. Revenue from these platforms was allegedly routed through shell companies to obscure the financial trail. Investigators noted that the websites displayed symbols from the Ministry of Finance’s Betting Management System (Sigap) and the National Council for Advertising Self-Regulation (Conar) to create a false impression of legal compliance.
Suspects face potential charges for illegal gambling, money laundering, organized crime, and drug trafficking conspiracy. The enforcement actions were carried out in Espírito Santo, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Paraná, Paraíba, and Sergipe.