Zona de Azar Brazil – Brazil: CPI to Question “Tigrinho Game” Operator
Brazil.- November 20, 2024 www.zonadeazar.com The CPI (Parliamentary Inquiry Committee) on Bets is set to hear from businessman Fernando Oliveira Lima, known as Fernandin OIG, on Tuesday, November 26. He is allegedly responsible for operating the “Tigrinho Game” in Brazil.
The summons was proposed by the committee’s rapporteur, Senator Soraya Thronicke (Podemos-MS). During a deliberative session on Tuesday, November 19, the committee approved 169 requests for testimonies and information. The full list can be found in the meeting agenda.
The betting app Fortune Tiger — commonly referred to as the “Tigrinho Game” — was developed by PG Soft, a company based in Malta. According to Soraya, the company One Internet Group (OIG), owned by Oliveira Lima, is primarily responsible for promoting the game among Brazilian audiences. OIG claims to operate in social media advertising and denies any official ties to PG Soft.
“Your company is suspected of facilitating online betting operations, raising concerns about potential illicit practices and money laundering. Summoning Fernando is essential to clarify his company’s operations and strategies for promoting the game,” the rapporteur stated in her justification for the request.
During the next session, the CPI on Bets may also hear from authorities in Pernambuco who are involved in combating the jogo do bicho (animal game) and online sports betting. The invited individuals include:
- Alessandro Carvalho Libório, Secretary of Social Defense
- Paulo Gustavo Gondim Borba Correia, Metropolitan Director of the Civil Police
- Renato Márcio Rocha Leite, General Delegate of the Civil Police
Senator Izalci Lucas (PL-DF), author of the requests, highlighted the critical role of the Pernambuco authorities in Operation Integration, which investigates a money-laundering scheme involving gambling.
“Operation Integration, launched in September 2024, aimed to dismantle an illegal online betting and jogo do bicho network that funneled billions of reais through illicit activities,” Izalci explained.
Influencers
The CPI on Bets also approved the summons of several artists and digital influencers allegedly involved in expanding the betting market in Brazil. These hearings have yet to be scheduled. Among those to be summoned are:
- Deolane Bezerra dos Santos, digital influencer
- Gessica Kayane Rocha de Vasconcelos (Gkay), actress and digital influencer
- Jordana Gleise de Jesus Menezes (Jojo Todynho), singer
- Wesley Oliveira da Silva (Wesley Safadão), singer
- Everson de Brito Silva (Tirulipa), comedian
- Vitória di Felice Moraes, digital influencer
- Rodrigo Abrão de Carvalho Mussi Ivo, digital influencer
- Pâmela de Souza Drudi, influencer and Fernandin OIG’s wife
- Luan Kovarik (Jon Vlogs), digital influencer and creator of JonBet
Senator Soraya Thronicke expressed concern about influencers promoting betting apps. She emphasized the negative impact on Brazilian families and the economy.
“When illegal betting ads appear on social media, people get excited. That’s when family resources are lost. Many families are going bankrupt. Addicted gamblers are borrowing money from loan sharks. All this significant capital is leaving the Brazilian economy, particularly from our commerce and services sectors,” she warned during the CPI meeting.
Investigated Parties
The CPI will also summon Deolane Bezerra’s mother, Solange Alves Bezerra, and her lawyer, Adélia Soares. Both Deolane and Solange were arrested in Recife, Pernambuco, in September during Operation Integration.
Furthermore, the CPI approved the summons of ten individuals linked to money laundering and illegal betting investigations. They are expected to testify as investigated parties.
Authorities
Additional requests were approved to hear from public officials. Senator Izalci Lucas, responsible for most of these suggestions, proposed changing the summons to invitations. Among those invited are:
- Fernando Haddad, Minister of Finance
- Jorge Messias, Attorney General of the Union
- Roberto Campos Neto, President of the Central Bank
- Andrei Rodrigues, Director-General of the Federal Police
- Ricardo Liáo, President of COAF (Financial Activities Control Council)
- Alexandre Cordeiro Macedo, President of CADE (Administrative Council for Economic Defense)
CPI President Senator Dr. Hiran (PP-RR) clarified that the committee is neutral regarding the government.
“This CPI is for society, which is suffering due to the lack of regulation in this activity. We won’t sensationalize anything here. We will act responsibly and with the seriousness this issue demands,” he said.
Information Requests
The CPI approved additional requests for information, including 37 Financial Intelligence Reports (RIFs) from COAF. These documents aim to identify operations indicative of crimes. Targets include individuals and companies associated with online betting and payment platforms.
The CPI on Bets was established on November 12 to investigate the influence of online betting on Brazilian family budgets and its possible connections to organized crime. The committee’s work will continue until April next year.
Source: Agência Senado
Edited by: @_fonta
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