Brazil: Police Operation Targets Illegal Betting and Money Laundering
Digital influencers under investigation in major criminal probe
Brazil.- August 8, 2025 – www.zonadeazar.com The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro launched Operation Desfortuna this Thursday, August 7, targeting a network allegedly promoting illegal online gambling and laundering money.
Influencers with millions of followers implicated
The scheme is reportedly led by social media influencers, including Bia Miranda, the so-called granddaughter of singer Gretchen and a former contestant on the reality show “A Fazenda.”
Over R$4 billion in suspicious financial transactions
Authorities executed 31 search and seizure warrants across Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais. The investigation uncovered more than R$4 billion in suspect transactions.
How the illegal network operated
Social media gambling promotions
The suspects promoted illegal online casinos through platforms like Instagram, promising quick and easy profits. Collectively, the influencers had more than 34 million followers.
Who is Bia Miranda?
Reality TV fame turned controversy
With over 5 million followers, Bia Miranda rose to fame after finishing second in “A Fazenda 2022”. Despite being known as Gretchen’s “granddaughter,” there’s no biological link between them.
Lavish lifestyle and ties to organized crime
Undeclared income, weapons, and fake companies
Reports from COAF show that the influencers’ financial activity was inconsistent with their declared income. Many showcased luxury lifestyles, including high-end vehicles, real estate, and international travel.
Authorities are also exploring links to organized crime, involving money operators and shell companies. Influencer Maumau was caught in possession of an illegal weapon during the raids.
No official defense statements have been made public as of this writing.
🔗 Edited by: @_fonta
🌐 Source: www.zonadeazar.com