The Brazilian Federal Police have executed a major crackdown on a criminal organization accused of operating an illegal website that mirrored the official lottery services of Caixa Econômica Federal (CEF).
Dubbed “Operation Última Aposta” (Last Bet), the investigation revealed that the group was running an unauthorized platform that mimicked Caixa’s interface to deceive bettors.
According to a government release, the illicit website facilitated bets in a manner nearly identical to the Caixa Econômica Federal but failed to transfer the funds to formalize the wagers. Instead, the operators pocketed the money while charging customers inflated prices for their services.
To lure users, the group falsely claimed to offer “statistical alternatives” that would allegedly increase a bettor’s chances of winning, a fraudulent promise designed to exploit vulnerable players.
The operation resulted in the execution of nine search and seizure warrants across multiple locations. Authorities moved swiftly to freeze bank accounts linked to the organization and seized various real estate assets believed to be purchased with illicit funds.
The investigation also uncovered links to money laundering; the entities behind the scheme were reportedly using shell companies that had previously been targeted in a March 2023 probe for similar financial crimes.
The charges against the group are severe, including operating an unlicensed financial institution, running a financial pyramid scheme, money laundering, and foreign exchange fraud. This enforcement action underscores the Brazilian government’s intensifying efforts to sanitize its gambling market as it transitions into a fully regulated environment.
By targeting operators who exploit the credibility of state institutions like Caixa, federal authorities are sending a clear message that parallel gambling markets will not be tolerated.
Brazilian Government Statement:
“The crimes under investigation include operating an unlicensed financial institution, running a financial pyramid scheme, money laundering, and foreign exchange fraud.”
