Justice Minister points to link between online betting and organised crime in Brazil
The federal government blocked R$3.3 billion in suspicious transactions linked to betting sites after 21 police operations. Minister cites money laundering and drug trafficking.
Government blocks R$3.3 billion linked to betting sites and organised crime
The Justice and Public Security Minister, Wellington César Lima e Silva, stated on Tuesday (3rd) that the federal government has identified an "undesirable proximity" between the online betting sector and organised crime. According to agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br, the statement was made during a public hearing called by the Federal Supreme Court (STF) to debate a ban on betting sites.
Lima e Silva said that the provisional measure which suspended the operation of betting site companies contributed to combating crime. "Unfortunately, we have found an undesirable proximity of betting activity with organised crime, with money laundering," he declared.
Data presented by the Justice Ministry to the STF reveal that R$3.3 billion in suspicious transactions linked to betting sites were blocked. The amount was accumulated over the course of 21 police and Public Ministry operations carried out since 2018.
The minister explained that criminal organisations use electronic betting platforms to give the appearance of legality to resources derived from drug trafficking and other illicit activities.
The hearing was called by Minister Luiz Fux, rapporteur of the appeals filed by the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) and the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR). The two entities requested the overturning of Provisional Measure No. 1,394/2026, which prohibited the operation and advertising of online games. The measure was issued in September this year.
Source: Google News BR — Crime