Bets' scheme sought to finance illicit activities and clean up the social image of gang members.

Investigations by the Organized Crime Combat Management and the Specialized Organized Crime Repression Unit (GCCO/Draco) of the Mato Grosso Civil Police, within the scope of Operation Ludus Sordidus, revealed sports betting platforms, similar to "Bets," that were used to finance the activities of a criminal faction.

The investigation revealed that the websites “Gol Bet” and “Campeão Bet” were used to launder money for the faction, finance drug trafficking, and distribute profits among the leaders of the criminal organization. Among those arrested are influencer Dainey Aparecido da Costa, 34, known as Deniz Bet, and Sebastião Lauze, known for being the president of SN Futebol Clube.

Known as the "owner of the hood," responsible for managing the criminal faction's activities in the Osmar Cabral, Jardim Liberdade, and surrounding neighborhoods, the suspect SLQA was identified as the group's leader in the region and was a direct beneficiary of the Bets, receiving 10% of the monthly profits.

He was responsible for ensuring the operation of the platforms in the aforementioned neighborhoods without external interference. In addition to him, the scheme functioned with the support of other members of the criminal faction, with a clear division of roles among those involved.

Among the identified targets are the operational manager of Gol Bet, responsible for profit transfers and controls; the influencer identified as a partner of Campeão Bet, who handled marketing and community sponsorships; and a third member who acted as an informal accountant, responsible for weekly balance sheets and accounting control of the betting companies.

The operators discussed strategies, hired bookmakers, and organized the logistics of the bets.

Money Laundering and Transfers

The profits from the bets were distributed weekly. The bank transfer receipts were sent to the leader, using "front" accounts where the funds were received. In a single month, transactions exceeding R$ 50 were identified in the account of just one of those involved.

Furthermore, companies, including a steakhouse, were used as fronts to move money. The investigation identified cross-transfers between these companies and accounts linked to the faction's operators, with amounts inconsistent with the income declared by those under investigation.

Image washing

Through charitable actions, such as distributing basic food baskets and sponsoring amateur teams, the faction attempted to legitimize the operation of the betting platforms. Sporting events were financed by these platforms, which led to the leaders and members of the faction being seen as "benefactors" of the community.

Promoting sporting events, such as amateur soccer championships, served as a strategy to exert influence, since by sponsoring and organizing these events, the criminal group attempted to strengthen its presence in the communities, while building an image of a benevolent entity.

The same strategy also extends to the political field, with evidence of close ties and explicit support for candidates in municipal elections, promoted by the faction's leadership.

According to the police chief in charge of the investigations, Antenor Junior Pimentel Marcondes, these activities not only reinforce the presence, acceptance, and support of the criminal organization in the communities, but also aid in money laundering by disguising the illicit origin of the funds.

“The strategy is comparable to the ‘bread and circuses’ policy of Ancient Rome, where rulers kept the population distracted by distributing food and promoting games and shows. Similarly, the criminal organization uses football and other forms of entertainment to win sympathy and loyalty, while camouflaging its illicit activities,” said the police chief.