Brazilian internet celebrity Tainá Sousa was recently arrested for allegedly leading an illegal gambling promotion scheme "Jogo do Tigrinho" (Wealth of the Tiger) and money laundering activities. In the case, she is accused of creating a "death list" targeting individuals publicly opposing illegal gambling, which has drawn further attention to the case.
According to the police, the list involved several journalists, political figures, and law enforcement officers, including detective Pedro Adão, who was in charge of investigating the case. Additionally, deceased journalist Luís Cardoso, who died of heart disease, was posthumously added to the list. The police noted that Sousa even celebrated his death in a statement, intensifying doubts about the authenticity of the list.
Sousa attracted a large following on social media by showcasing a luxurious lifestyle and wealth accumulation, much of her content related to promoting the illegal gambling platform involved in the case. Before her arrest, the police had launched a large-scale operation, seizing assets worth over 11 million Brazilian reais (approximately 2 million US dollars), including five luxury cars, a jet ski, foreign currency cash, a firearm, and several computers, believed to be purchased with proceeds from illegal gambling.
The gang involved is accused of using influential figures to recruit players, promising quick profits. The charges include illegal gambling promotion, money laundering, and organized crime. All of Sousa's social media accounts have now been closed. The case is still under further investigation.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian Senate plans to consider the legalization of physical gambling in the upcoming legislative debate, sparking interest in the industry.
