Lottery businessman arrested in operation against gambling and money laundering.

Businessman Cícero Fabiano Melo Silva, from Paraíba and involved in the lottery business, was arrested in João Pessoa on Tuesday (August 18) during an operation launched by the Civil Police of Mato Grosso do Sul. In addition to the preventive arrest warrant, the operation executed five search and seizure warrants at addresses in João Pessoa and Campina Grande.

According to information obtained by G1 PB, the investigations target suspicions of illegal bingo and other forms of gambling, criminal association, and money laundering. The investigated conduct originated in Mato Grosso do Sul, according to Detective João Ricardo of the Cybercrimes Division in Paraíba.

Cícero Fabiano was located and arrested at a hotel in the Manaíra neighborhood. Search and seizure warrants were executed at three addresses in João Pessoa, in the Bessa, Aeroclube, and Altiplano neighborhoods, and at a property in Campina Grande. Police seized computers, cell phones, and documents to support the analysis of financial transactions linked to the activities under investigation.

Defense denies company involvement.

The businessman's defense team stated that Paraíba Premiado, a company linked to Cícero Fabiano, has no connection to the investigated facts. The lawyers also stated that they had not yet had access to the information that formed the basis for the request for preventive detention. According to the defense, the businessman was scheduled to appear before a judge for a custody hearing on Tuesday (August 18th).

Delegate João Ricardo confirmed that the case is under seal and that the investigation is being conducted entirely by the Civil Police of Mato Grosso do Sul. After his arrest, Cícero Fabiano was taken to the João Pessoa Police Station, where he underwent a physical examination and remains at the disposal of the Justice system. The police force reported that the investigations continue with the analysis of the seized material and the verification of possible involvement of other people and companies in the case.

Court upholds businessman's arrest.

The Justice Department of Paraíba upheld the preventive detention of businessman Cícero Fabiano Melo Silva, arrested during an operation by the Civil Police of Mato Grosso do Sul investigating the exploitation of gambling and suspected money laundering. The decision was made this Tuesday (18), during a custody hearing held in João Pessoa.

Illegal Raffles

In Mato Grosso do Sul, the operation was launched this Tuesday by the DERCC (Specialized Police Station for the Repression of Cybercrimes), with the support of other units of the Civil Police. In Campo Grande, influencer Eduardo Rezende da Silva Razuk, known as Eduardo Razuk, and his brother, Rafael Rezende da Silva Razuk, were arrested.

More than 20 luxury vehicles were seized during the operation. According to Campo Grande News, the value of the cars exceeds R$ 20 million. The vehicles were taken to the Defurv (Specialized Police Station for the Repression of Vehicle Thefts and Robberies).

The operation investigates suspected money laundering, criminal association, and illegal lottery operations. The investigations continue to identify the origin of the funds and the possible involvement of those under investigation in the scheme.