The Public Ministry of Pernambuco (MPPE) decided to request the partial archiving of the investigation against Esportes da Sorte, an online betting company. The decision, released on Monday (25), states that the company’s activities are legal.
One of the excerpts of the decision says that the “Public Ministry of Pernambuco requests the shelving of the investigation in relation to conduct considered a crime of money laundering, which has as a criminal offense the indication of the practice of sports betting and online games promoted by Esportes da Sorte, due to lack of just cause for the exercise of criminal action, due to the atypicality of the conduct.”
Understand the case
Esportes da Sorte was the target of operation “Integration” on September 4th of this year. The operation carried out 19 arrest warrants and 24 search and seizure warrants in six states across the country, including the arrest of businesswoman and digital influencer Deolane Bezerra.
The Pernambuco Civil Police reported that the operation targeted a criminal organization that laundered money from illegal gambling. However, the police did not detail how the scheme worked.
During the operation, authorities seized jewelry, money, luxury cars and even a helicopter. Deolane Bezerra’s defense states that she makes herself available to the authorities to clarify the facts and asks for respect for the principle of presumption of innocence.
Authorities arrested businessman Darwin Henrique da Silva Filho, owner of Esportes da Sorte, and his wife, Maria Eduarda Filizola, on October 5, as part of Operation Integration.
The law firm stated that all doubts about Esportes da Sorte’s activities were clarified, demonstrating the legality of the operations.
Clubs sponsored by Esportes da Sorte and company positioning
Esportes da Sorte is a bookmaker that also acts as a sponsor of some football teams, such as Corinthians, Athletico-PR and Bahia. In addition, the company sponsors Grêmio, Palmeiras, Ceará, Náutico and Santa Cruz.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) itself issued a letter, allowing clubs to continue displaying the brand on their uniforms. “With the exception of companies authorized by the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (LOTERJ), due to the provisions of article 35-A, paragraph 8 of Law No. 13,756/2018, as amended by Law No. 14,790/2023 (…) other companies authorized by other States to operate fixed-odd betting may only publish advertising or commercial advertising within the limits of their territory, in accordance with article 35-A, paragraph 4th of said Law”.
At the time, the betting company also took a stance on Operation Integration, an investigation that raised questions about the legitimacy of its operations. The bookmaker defended itself, saying it strictly followed Central Bank regulations. Gabriel Oliveira, legal director of the company.
“We are pioneers in defending responsible gaming and caring for our customers. Esportes da Sorte believes that the accusations are unfounded and harmful, not only to the company, but also to the jobs it generates in the sector.“
On October 16th, the company was included in the national list of betting companies authorized by the Ministry of Treasury. State regularization via Loterj occurred on the 9th of the same month.
