Roraima Charges Ten Influencers Over Illegal Gambling Promotion
Brazil.- 9 September 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The Public Prosecutor’s Office of the State of Roraima has charged ten digital influencers over their alleged involvement in a scheme connected with the operation and promotion of illegal gambling platforms.
Prosecutors allege that the individuals used social-media channels to acquire new customers and direct them towards unauthorised platforms, including sites offering games such as Fortune Tiger, popularly known in Brazil as Tigrinho.
R$67.5 Million Under Investigation
According to the complaint filed by the specialised organised crime and money laundering prosecution unit, the individuals under investigation collectively received approximately R$67.5 million.
The funds allegedly came from payment intermediaries connected with electronic gambling operations.
The transactions under investigation took place between January 2023 and October 2024.
Promotion Through Social Media
Prosecutors allege that influencers promoted the platforms through different digital formats.
These included:
- Stories.
- Reels.
- Videos.
- Personalised links.
Posts displayed alleged winnings alongside cars, properties, travel and other assets in an attempt to attract followers through the prospect of quick financial gains.
Commissions for New Players
Users were directed through promotional links to register and deposit funds with the platforms.
According to investigators, influencers received commissions for recruiting new customers.
Social media therefore became one of the primary acquisition channels for the platforms involved in the investigation.
Demonstration Accounts
Investigators also identified the alleged use of demonstration accounts supplied by the platforms themselves.
These accounts were reportedly used to display unusually high winnings that did not reflect the conditions available to ordinary customers.
The alleged objective was to create the impression that frequent and substantial returns were readily achievable.
Encouraging Continued Play
Prosecutors allege that after depositing money, customers were shown apparent profits and encouraged to continue gambling.
However, the investigation says some customers encountered blocks or refusals when attempting to withdraw larger amounts.
These practices are among the elements included in the prosecution case.
Three Interconnected Groups
The complaint describes an organisation divided into three interconnected groups.
The Operational and Business Group allegedly consisted of those administering the illegal platforms, financial operators and payment intermediary companies.
The Promotion and Acquisition Group allegedly comprised influencers responsible for advertising the games and attracting new customers.
The Financial Concealment Group was allegedly responsible for hiding or disguising the origin and ownership of funds generated through the scheme.
Alleged Money Laundering
Investigators say funds were moved through different financial institutions as well as personal and corporate accounts.
Transfers between defendants and third parties are also under investigation.
Authorities believe these arrangements may have been used to obscure the origin and ultimate destination of the money.
Funds Allegedly Converted Into Assets
Part of the money generated through the platforms was allegedly incorporated into the personal wealth of those involved.
Investigators identified expenditure and acquisitions including:
- Vehicles.
- Property.
- Travel.
- Cosmetic procedures.
- Other high-value assets.
These transactions form part of the financial investigation.
Charges Included in the Case
In addition to alleged involvement in illegal gambling activity, defendants face accusations involving several other offences.
These include:
- False or misleading claims about products or services.
- Misleading consumers.
- Offences against the popular economy.
- Criminal association.
- Money laundering.
Three defendants also face fraud charges.
The allegations remain subject to judicial examination and do not represent prior findings of guilt.
Statements
Public Prosecutor Carlos Alberto Melotto said the alleged scheme exploited consumer trust and expectations of financial returns to attract participants.
He warned that resulting losses can affect both victims’ income and personal assets.
Melotto said prosecutors are seeking to interrupt the alleged cycle, establish accountability and prevent similar structures from continuing to use social networks to recruit new consumers.
Compensation for Victims
In addition to seeking convictions, prosecutors have requested that the court establish a minimum amount of compensation for the victims.
No value has yet been determined.
Any final figure would depend on evidence considered during the judicial proceedings.
Industry Context
Brazil has increased its focus on the promotion and operation of unauthorised gambling platforms.
The use of influencers to advertise illegal gaming products has become a particular concern because of their ability to reach large audiences through social media.
Implementation of Brazil’s regulated fixed-odds betting market has also strengthened the distinction between federally authorised businesses and platforms continuing to offer products outside the legal framework.
Next Steps or Impact
The charges will now proceed through Brazil’s judicial system.
Authorities will seek to determine the individual responsibilities of those accused, the origin of approximately R$67.5 million under investigation and the extent of any financial harm suffered by customers.
The case also increases pressure on influencers and affiliates to verify the regulatory status of gambling platforms before promoting them, particularly where advertising involves claims of winnings or direct incentives to acquire new players.
Editó: @fonta
