Last Wednesday (4), a large-scale police operation was launched in five Brazilian states, blocking more than R$2 billion from 50 people and companies. Among the targets is the influencer Deolane Bezerrawho was arrested in Recife, accused of involvement in a money laundering scheme. Investigations indicate that Bezerra had used her popularity on social media to promote online betting platforms linked to the scheme.
Case start
The case began in 2022, when police seized R$180,000 in cash and a notebook with notes at a gambling den in Recife, belonging to Darwin Henry da Silvaa well-known local bookmaker. This seizure revealed a broader money laundering scheme, involving the migration of illegal activities from the animal game to legalized betting, such as the platform Lucky Sportswhich belongs to Darwin Jr..
Lucky Sports
The platform Lucky Sportswhich is legal and based in Curaçao, in the Caribbean, uses legal mechanisms to process bets, but according to authorities, it is being used to launder money from illegal activities. Those who bet on the site make deposits via PIX to the Pay Brokersa payment facilitation company based in Curitiba. This structure, according to the police, allows illegal money to be “cleaned” and reintroduced into the formal economy.
Deolane in the investigation
Deolane Bezerra appears at the center of investigations for promoting the Lucky Sports on their social networks, where they have millions of followers. According to the Secretary of Social Defense of Pernambuco, Alessandro Carvalhoinfluencers like Deolane are paid to promote betting platforms and create a false image of easy earnings, when, in fact, the money obtained does not come from betting, but from payment for advertisements.
Blocking millions
The court ordered the freezing of R$34 million linked to the influencer, R$20 million from her personal account and another R$14 million from her company, due to suspicions of money laundering. At the police station, Deolane Bezerra stated that his monthly income is R$1.5 million, but the police suspect that a large part of this money is linked to the criminal scheme.
Own betting company
Additionally, police discovered that in July 2023, Deolane opened her own betting company, with capital of R$30 million. Authorities believe that this company was created to continue the money laundering process, and there are indications that the influencer’s mother, Solange Bezerrais also involved in the scheme. The blocking of R$3 million from Solange’s accounts was ordered by the Court.
Connections with another house
It’s not the first time that Deolane Bezerra finds itself involved in investigations of this type. In 2022, it was the target of a search and seizure by the São Paulo Civil Police, under suspicion of having links to another betting platform, Betzordinvestigated for crimes against the popular economy and criminal association. At the time, the Betzord was also under scrutiny for illegal practices.
The money laundering scheme uncovered by the police is sophisticated and involves transfers of funds between different accounts to make it difficult to track the illegal money. In addition, the scheme included the purchase of real estate, imported cars and even airplanes to hide the criminal origin of the funds. According to the authorities, the suspects had assets that were completely incompatible with their declared income.
Legalization of Bets
Since 2018, fixed-odds betting, known as betshave been legalized in Brazil, but most of the sites operate outside the country. Starting in January 2025, new rules will be implemented to better control these platforms, with a focus on combating money laundering and protecting bettors, according to the Ministry of Finance.
What those involved say
The defenses of those involved spoke out. The lawyer for Darwin Henry da Silva stated that his client was not present on the day of the operation and is awaiting a decision on habeas corpus. Already Darwin Jr. denied any involvement with the animal game and stated that all his income was duly declared. The defense of Deolane Bezerra also spoke out, stating that he trusts in justice and that his innocence will be proven.
Summary for those in a hurry:
- Deolane Bezerra was arrested in an operation that blocked more than R$2 billion in five states.
- The influencer is suspected of promoting betting platforms used for money laundering.
- The Court blocked R$34 million of Deolanebeing part of your personal account and your company.
- Deolane’s mother, Solange Bezerrais also being investigated for involvement in the scheme.
- The influencer was already the target of another investigation in 2022, also linked to illegal betting.
- New betting control rules will be implemented in Brazil from January 2025.
Source: Atrevida
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
