Federal Police Launch Operation Dark Bet to Dismantle International Brazilian Trafficking Network
Operation Dark Bet targets an international Brazilian trafficking network, with multiple arrests, asset seizures over R$ 446 million, and suspension of illicit companies.
- • Operation Dark Bet launched against international trafficking of Brazilians for labor and cybercrime.
- • 11 search and seizure warrants executed across Ceará, Maranhão, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo.
- • 4 temporary arrests and suspension of two online betting platforms ordered.
- • Assets worth over R$ 446 million targeted for seizure to disrupt criminal activity.
Key details
On December 16, 2025, Brazil's Federal Police initiated Operation Dark Bet to combat an international trafficking network exploiting Brazilians for labor and cybercrime abroad. This targeted crackdown included executing 11 search and seizure warrants across five states — Ceará, Maranhão, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo — alongside four temporary arrests endorsed by the Federal Court.
The operation revealed a sophisticated recruitment scheme conducted through social media and digital platforms, luring victims with false promises of lucrative jobs in the online sports betting sector. Once abroad, victims faced harsh conditions akin to modern slavery, including exhaustive work hours, confiscation of documents, armed surveillance, restricted freedom, and imposed debts.
Authorities linked the investigation to the earlier detention of 109 individuals in Nigeria, which involved five Brazilians implicated in cybercrime connected to two online sports betting platforms operating in Brazil. Consequently, the Federal Court ordered the suspension of business activities of implicated companies and the shutdown of these two platforms.
Assets exceeding R$ 446 million have been targeted for seizure to disrupt criminal operations and hold perpetrators accountable. The Federal Police emphasized that the operation targets crimes such as international trafficking for labor exploitation, conditions analogous to slavery, and organized crime.
This comprehensive enforcement effort underscores the Brazilian government's commitment to safeguarding its citizens from abusive international labor schemes and cyber exploitation, while dismantling transnational criminal networks exploiting vulnerable populations abroad.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
