Striker Ênio becomes defendant for match-fixing and money laundering of R$ 1,9 million in Rio Grande do Sul.

The Rio Grande do Sul court accepted charges against striker Ênio for manipulation of sports betting and money laundering. The player belongs to Juventude and is currently on loan at Chapecoense. The decision was made on Thursday (April 23). The state Public Prosecutor's Office filed the charges in January 2026.

The case is being processed in the 1st State Court for the Trial of Organized Crime and Money Laundering. The court has identified evidence of authorship and materiality of the crime. The information was initially released by ge Globo.

Investigations point to involvement in a scheme during the Brazilian Championship.

Investigations indicate that the athlete participated in a match-fixing scheme involving the Brazilian Championship in 2025. Ênio played for Juventude at the time. The player allegedly concealed amounts exceeding R$ 1,9 million obtained illegally.

The complaint alleges that the striker deliberately received yellow cards in two matches of the competition. The incidents occurred in Juventude's opening match against Vitória at the Alfredo Jaconi Stadium. The second episode took place in the eighth round, against Fortaleza in Ceará.

Betting houses registered an unusual increase in bets on the "player card" type of bet before both matches. The activity suggested that bettors had prior knowledge of the outcome of the play. Manipulation alerts were issued for both matches.

Operation by the Public Prosecutor's Office

The charges were filed as part of Operation Totonero. The 5th Special Task Force to Combat Organized Crime (Gaeco) conducted the investigations. The Public Prosecutor's Office acted based on information from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and international entities that monitor the integrity of sports betting.

In May 2025, two search and seizure warrants were executed against Ênio. One warrant was executed at the athlete's residence. The other took place at the Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, in the player's personal locker at the time.

During the overt phase of the operation, precautionary measures were granted. The breach of banking, tax, and telecommunications secrecy formed the basis for the indictment accepted by the court.

The player remains active.

Juventude loaned the striker to Chapecoense at the end of 2025. The contract with the Santa Catarina club runs until the end of 2026.

There is no information regarding a possible suspension of the player. On Sunday, Ênio took to the field and scored Chapecoense's goal in their 2-1 defeat to Fluminense at the Maracanã.

Clubs take a stand on the case.

Ênio's defense was contacted. There was no response. Juventude informed that they will not comment on the matter.

Chapecoense released an official statement. The club declared: “In light of the information recently released regarding an athlete linked to the club, Associação Chapecoense de Futebol reinforces its cautious stance, aware that the existence of an accusation does not equate to a conviction, and that every citizen is guaranteed the full right to due process and a full defense. The club, through its board and legal department, is monitoring the situation responsibly, respecting institutions and due process. Chapecoense reiterates its commitment to transparency and ethics, remaining attentive to the unfolding events and adopting appropriate measures, always based on official information.”