Fake winnings at the online casino: Ianka and Bruno, two Brazilian influencers behind bars

A new fraud case is shaking the world of social networks and online gaming. Indeed, the famous Brazilian influencers Ianka Cristini and Bruno Martins, with more than 15 million subscribers, were arrested on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Accused of fraud, money laundering and organized crime, they allegedly manipulated their fans by simulating fake winnings at the online casino game Fortune Tiger, known locally as Jogo do Tigrinho.

A meteoric rise tainted by suspicion

Ianka Cristini, who presented herself as a multimillionaire at 28, made her subscribers dream by recounting her journey: from street candy seller to successful businesswoman. Her husband, Bruno Martins, shares a life of luxury with her, displaying sports cars, extravagant trips and sumptuous homes.

“I was like you. I won everything playing Jogo do Tigrinho from home.”

This is what she claims in widely shared videos. However, the reality is quite different. According to investigators, the couple used a demo version of the game to feign huge winnings, encouraging their fans to register and bet.

Operation Lance Final

It was in the city of Itajaí, in Brazil, that the authorities, led by the Public Ministry of Santa Catarina and the Gaeco task force, carried out Operation Lance Final. In addition to Ianka and Bruno, an advisor linked to the couple was also arrested. Law enforcement seized several luxury goods, including a McLaren 720 Spider valued at £200,000, an armoured Cadillac Escalade and two BMWs. The couple’s sumptuous apartments and homes were also confiscated, while their bank accounts and social media profiles were frozen.

A lucrative scheme and betrayed fans

The plan was clever but morally reprehensible. Using a demo version of the Fortune Tiger game, the influencers simulate spectacular winnings and show off their wealth, supposedly acquired through the game. This system earns them commissions on the losses of players registered through them. In reality, their earnings do not come from the game, but from advertising deals with its organisers.

“They manipulated the trust of their subscribers by promising dreams of wealth, while living a life of luxury fuelled by these lies,” a police representative said. 

With an audience of millions, the influencers had an immense reach. This case highlights the dangers of online manipulation and raises critical questions about the responsibility of platforms to control advertising content.

Investigation still ongoing

Despite the seriousness of the accusations, Ianka Cristini and Bruno Martins have neither confirmed nor denied the facts. The investigation continues to determine the extent of the damage caused by their scheme and to identify all potential victims.

The Public Ministry of Santa Catarina has called on people who suffered losses because of Jogo do Tigrinho to provide evidence, including financial statements, to potentially initiate legal proceedings.

The victims speak out

Many of Ianka Cristini’s fans say they felt betrayed.

“I believed in her, in her story. I lost my savings thinking I could change my life.”

Others, more cautious, wonder why these practices were not detected earlier. Experts point out that the role of influencers is under increasing scrutiny, as their actions can have a direct impact on the financial and emotional lives of their followers.

Strict legislation in Belgium

This case serves as a stark reminder: promises of easy wealth on social media should be taken with a grain of salt. In Belgium, promoting gambling on social media or via streaming platforms is strictly prohibited. This regulation aims to protect users from such abuses, often amplified by public figures or malicious influencers. 

However, videos featuring celebrities promoting gambling sometimes circulate online. This content is not always authentic: some stars, such as Kevin De Bruyne or Alain Delon, have been victims of deepfakes, sophisticated digital montages used to deceive viewers and reinforce the credibility of fraudulent advertisements. This underlines the importance of verifying the origin of content before trusting it.