Brazilian law enforcement is carrying out Operation Laverna in the state of Piauí, increasing pressure on influencers who promote unlicensed iGaming platforms. Earlier, we reported on other investigations targeting influencers in the country: https://cpa.rip/en/news/brazil-influencer-probe/ and https://cpa.rip/en/news/desfortuna-brazil/
The latest focus of the police is Brazilian blogger João Vítor Almeida Pereira, known online as Vitor Mídia, who has nearly 200,000 followers.
According to the Piauí state police, the investigation involves an alleged scheme in which several influencers conducted illegal raffles and promoted online betting platforms. Authorities estimate that within Operation Laverna the total amount of suspicious transactions exceeds 5 million reais (~$930,000), with about 1.17 million reais linked directly to Vitor Mídia’s activity.
After the police measures were initiated, Vitor Mídia addressed his audience on social media, rejecting all accusations. He said he expects the situation to be clarified soon and expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
Police documents indicate that his three Instagram accounts, which together have around 188,000 followers, were mainly used to promote raffles and publish links to unlicensed betting websites. Investigators note that these practices are becoming increasingly widespread amid the growing volume of gambling-related content across Brazil.
Vitor Mídia’s legal team claims that all raffles run on his platforms are legitimate and carried out with the support of “Baixada Lottery,” which they say provides the required authorizations. The defense argues that prizes are offered “in full compliance with the law,” audited, taxed, and delivered to winners.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues as authorities assess whether the raffles and promoted platforms comply with national gambling and consumer protection regulations.
“The Civil Police will continue acting firmly and tirelessly in combating digital crimes. We will not tolerate the use of social networks to promote illegal betting, unlawful lotteries, or any practices aimed at deceiving consumers and gaining undue advantage,” said police representative Aislan Magalhães.
- Police press release: https://www.ssp.pi.gov.br/ssp-deflagra-fase-ii-da-operacao-laverna-contra-influenciadores-suspeitos-de-crimes-digitais-em-parnaiba/
- More coverage: Google News
