Gambling companies in Curacao linked to billion-dollar fraud in Brazil

A major investigation into money laundering practices has been launched in Brazil. And gambling companies in Curacao are also coming into the picture. The police in Pernambuco, a Brazilian state, are conducting this investigation under the name Operation Integration. More than two billion Brazilian real have now been frozen, and striking names have been mentioned who are involved in this investigation.

Well-known Brazilians suspected of money laundering

Brazilian judge Andréa Calado da Cruz has even issued an arrest warrant for singer Gusttavo Lima and lawyer and influencer Deolane Bezerra. These are not small names; Lima is a well-known artist, and Bezerra is a popular influencer. They are suspected of laundering money through gambling companies that have their headquarters in Curacao. Although both are free, the police continue to keep a close eye on them. This includes companies such as Esportes da Sorte and Vai de Bet, which have their registered offices in Curaçao and may be involved in these money laundering operations.

How did it all start?

The entire investigation began in 2022, when the Brazilian police in Recife seized a large amount of cash: 180,000 Brazilian real, to be exact. This money was linked to illegal gambling activities. One of the people involved was Darwin Henrique da Silva, a well-known bookmaker in the city. But the trail also led to his son,

Darwin Filho, owner of Esportes da Sorte, a gambling platform that operates legally from Curaçao. And it doesn’t stop there. Vai de Bet, part of Betpix N.V. and also registered in Curaçao, also plays a role in this case. Gusttavo Lima bought 25% of Vai de Bet in July of this year, but there are major question marks surrounding this deal. The judge doubts whether everything went according to the rules.

What does this mean for the future of the gambling sector?

Online gambling has been legal in Brazil since 2018, but many gambling companies, including Esportes da Sorte and Vai de Bet, operate from abroad. Curaçao is a popular location for these companies. However, new legislation will be introduced in Brazil from January 2025 that will significantly change the gambling world.

The rules will become stricter, and the Brazilian government will have more control over gambling companies and their payment methods. All this should ensure that money laundering practices such as those currently taking place can be better prevented.

According to Steven Neuman, a Curaçao fraud expert who is closely involved in this investigation, many criminal organizations are trying to legalize their illegal gambling activities. But with the new Brazilian legislation on the way, this is becoming increasingly difficult. Gambling companies will be under a magnifying glass, and the government will monitor compliance with the rules more closely.