Brazilian police arrested Brabet betting platform owner Alberth Cesar Janjon last week as investigators widened a sprawling probe into suspected illegal gambling operations operating across several states.

Officers with the Civil Police carried out the arrest on May 21 at an apartment in the Nova Campinas neighborhood. Authorities said the operation also resulted in the seizure of cell phones, credit cards, luxury handbags, more than 10 watches, and two high-end vehicles tied to the investigation.

Police believe the case is connected to a broader network of online gambling websites that allegedly used influencers and bloggers to attract users with promises of easy profits and guaranteed winnings. According to investigators, the operation may have reached users in São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso, Santa Catarina, Ceará, and Bahia.

Authorities have concentrated much of the investigation on platforms associated with “Jogo do Tigrinho” and other online games of chance that gained massive visibility through social media promotion.

Janjon’s lawyers pushed back against the arrest and said there was no justification for keeping him detained before trial.

The defense informs that this is a case originating from the interior of Ceará, investigating alleged payments made to influencers for the promotion of platforms known as ‘Jogo do Tigrinho’ and other games of chance,” the statement said.

“The defense argues that pretrial detention is entirely inappropriate and disproportionate. The suspect is a businessman, has a fixed address, a known legitimate business activity, and has provided proof of the origin and acquisition of the seized assets.”

Investigation expands across multiple states

Investigators said the enforcement operation also led to the arrest of another man identified as the suspected leader of the criminal organization. Police detained him at Guarulhos International Airport while authorities say he was attempting to leave the country.

Detective Sandro Jonasson, who works with the Narcotics Investigation Division in Campinas, said investigators initially became interested in the group because of the lavish lifestyle displayed by several people connected to the operation.

“This individual flaunted an extremely high standard of living, without an established income, without a credible financial background,” Jonasson said.

Authorities examine influencer involvement

Authorities are now examining the involvement of digital influencers and bloggers who advertised the gambling websites online. Investigators are trying to determine whether those promoters received fixed payments, commissions, or other compensation in exchange for steering followers toward the betting platforms.

Police have not released the total number of suspects who may eventually face charges. Investigators said the inquiry remains active as authorities continue identifying additional participants and tracing the full extent of the alleged gambling network.

Brazil intensifies crackdown on online betting schemes

The case is the latest in a growing crackdown across Brazil targeting online betting schemes that authorities say rely heavily on social media personalities and aggressive digital marketing campaigns to attract users to unregulated gambling platforms.