Brazilian police recently launched a large-scale law enforcement operation in the south, successfully dismantling an illegal gambling network and seizing assets worth about 30 million Brazilian Reais (approximately 5.4 million US dollars).
This operation, named "Red Card Action", focused on the coastal area of Santa Catarina State, confiscating multiple properties, luxury vehicles, and financial assets, targeting illegal online gambling platforms including "Jogo do Tigrinho".
The police investigation found that the gang had been operating unlicensed gambling websites, online bingo, slot machines, and the popular illegal Brazilian "jogo do bicho" digital lottery game, and laundered gambling proceeds through shell companies. The investigation also revealed that some legally licensed sites were originally transformed from illegal companies, showing the gray connection between legal and illegal activities in the gambling industry.
The operation targeted 10 key suspects, and a large amount of computers and documents were seized at the scene, which is expected to further reveal the structure of the gang and the flow of funds. This action is a continuation of several previous sweeps, with multiple properties and vehicles already confiscated by the police earlier.
Currently, the Brazilian government is continuously advancing the rectification of the gambling industry. According to the federal government's 2025–2026 regulatory agenda, it will comprehensively strengthen regulatory efforts in terms of licensing, platform supervision, consumer protection, and combating illegal activities. The police will also continue to cooperate to curb the spread of gambling crimes.
