Manipulação de resultados tem que ter penas mais severas declara delegado da PF
Delegado da PF sugere aumento de pana para manipulação de resultados durante a CPI. (Imagem: Agência Senado / Marcos Oliveira)

In his testimony last Wednesday (09), Police Chief Daniel Mostardeiro Cola, from the Federal Police, suggested to the Legislative Branch an increase in penalties for crimes involving manipulation of sports results.

He presented the PF’s actions to the CPI for Match-Fixing and Sports Betting, highlighting the importance of combating these crimes.

Challenges in investigating match manipulation

Cola made his suggestions in response to senator Chico Rodrigues (PSB-RR). He argued that Congress should consider an increase in prison sentences for three crimes defined in the General Sports Law (Law 14,597, of 2023).

Sports crimes, such as asking for or accepting financial advantages to alter competition results, are a serious problem that needs to be combated.

Currently, offenders face sentences of 2 to 6 years in prison and a fine. However, it is crucial to include the suspension of athletes involved in manipulation, as Cola suggested. This measure aims to restore the credibility of the sport.

“For an athlete who has a professional life of 10 to 15 years, if he can’t play two years, three years, this penalty will be much more effective.” – stated the delegate.

Cola highlighted the challenges that the PF faces in investigating these crimes. Brazil hosts a huge number of championships, with different divisions and categories, which complicate supervision.

The delegate explained that criminal organizations tend to migrate quickly between championships and states. “We have a very big difficulty, which is the migration of these criminal organizations.”

The dynamics of the Brazilian championships, which include four divisions, in addition to state competitions, require a proactive approach from the authorities. Cola highlighted that action needs to be quick, especially during championships, to prevent players from becoming dispersed.

Ongoing partnerships and investigations

Since 2021, the Federal Police has collaborated with the company Sportradar, which specializes in sports integrity. This partnership involves exchanging information and training.

Cola also mentioned that, at the request of the Ministry of Justice, the PF works with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on manipulation investigations, focusing mainly on state championships.

Senator Romário (PL-RJ), CPI rapporteur, questioned whether the PF was prepared to regulate sports betting in Brazil. He warned about combating illegal betting companies, money laundering and currency evasion.

“Will a specific division be created for this function? Does the Federal Police have enough trained personnel for this fight?” asked Romário.

However, the delegate confirmed that the PF has a department dedicated to financial crimes and money laundering. He stated that the corporation has the capacity to deal with both illegal betting and illicit activities in legalized betting.

Senator Eduardo Girão (Novo-CE) highlighted PL 2,234/2022, which seeks to legalize casinos, bingos and Jogo do Bicho in Brazil. He expressed concern about this proposal, mentioning that the PF, the Attorney General’s Office and the Federal Revenue are opposed to it.

Cola expressed his personal opinion on the topic, highlighting that the legalization of gambling could generate a cascade effect, making it difficult to enforce convictions for related crimes.

Influencers and responsibility for manipulating results

The commission members questioned the delegate about the responsibility of digital influencers who promote betting houses. Thus, Cola confirmed that these individuals may be held criminally liable, depending on the case.

He explained: “The moment she discloses something and that, for example, a certain game is a fraud, she will be criminally liable in relation to that.”

Finally, senator Carlos Portinho (PL-RJ) suggested the formation of a special tactical group composed of several bodies to act against illegal betting. He argued that the government must act quickly to create this group and prevent the situation from worsening.

The discussion about match-fixing and the regulation of sports betting in Brazil is in full swing. Therefore, this shows the need for an effective approach to protect the integrity of sporting competitions and ensure a safe environment for bettors.