Filho and his wife Maria Eduarda Filizola were arrested last Thursday (5 September) as part of ‘Operation Integration’, with the Esportes da Sorte CEO surrendering himself to federal police (FP).
The surrender followed allegations of money laundering and illegal betting involving Filho’s company, with influencer Deolane Bezerra also arrested. Prior to his arrest, Filho issued an open letter which said he was surprised by his arrest warrant.
The investigation is being led by the Civil Police of Pernambuco, working alongside the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, Interpol, as well as police from Goiás, Paraíba, Paraná and São Paulo.
According to Folha, Filho’s house in Recife was also searched and seized. The Ministry of Justice revealed the investigation has led to the issuing of 19 arrest warrants, including one for Darwin’s father, as well as 24 search and seizure warrants.
The investigation claims Darwin’s father operates a gambling den in Recife, where bettors can wager on sports through Esportes da Sorte.
Vai de Bet owner José André da Rocha Neto has also reportedly had his arrest ordered, though according to MaisPB, the Paraíba native is currently in Greece.
In response to the events, Oliveira defended Esportes da Sorte in a video on Brazilian channel TV Globo’s programme Fantástico, stating the company has undertaken no wrongdoing.
“The situation of the last few days, triggered by the PF’s Operation Integration, does the nation a disservice and undermines what should be its purpose, the truth,” Oliveira said in the video, shared on YouTube by Games Magazine Brasil.
“We are ‘guilty’ of transparency. We are ‘guilty’ of having evidence and operating within the law, including all financial operations being carried out through honest institutions and with procedures approved by the Central Bank.”
What is Esportes da Sorte accused of?
Esportes da Sorte is one of 114 operators that have so far applied for a licence to operate in Brazil’s upcoming legal betting market.
There are less than four months to go until the anticipated legal market launch date of 1 January 2025. However, this investigation throws Esportes da Sorte’s position into doubt. The Ministry of Justice claims it is targeting a criminal organisation that has moved nearly BRL3bn (£409.1m/€484.7m/$535.4m) in illegal gambling and money laundering.
The Ministry of Justice says the investigation initially started in April 2023 after BRL180,000 in cash was seized on 1 December 2022. From January 2019 to May 2023, the Ministry claims over BRL3bn was moved in accounts relating to illegal gambling.
According to Folha, Filho claims Esportes da Sorte has nothing to do with his father’s gambling den.
Oliveira also reaffirmed his belief that Esportes da Sorte hadn’t committed any crimes, believing it was part of a wider character assassination on betting.
“We are certain of our innocence, and we remain where we have always been, at the disposal of justice,” Oliveira added. “We are certain that all of this will be remembered as a sad, disproportionate and irresponsible episode.
“What is happening is a sign of the country’s regression. It has torn apart what is known about fundamental guarantees. This is not just about Esportes da Sorte and its leaders. They are attacking thousands of jobs generated by the sector.”