Operation Against Influencers Driving Traffic to Jogo do Tigrinho
The Rio de Janeiro Civil Police carried out Operation “Desfortuna” targeting 15 influencers with a combined audience of nearly 35 million followers.
They were allegedly involved in promoting the online slot game “Jogo do Tigrinho” (PG Soft) and earning revenue from players they attracted.
According to Brazil’s Financial Activities Control Council (Coaf), suspicious transactions totaling around USD 810 million have been identified.
How the Operation Unfolded
The raids took place across three states — Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais — with a total of 31 search warrants executed. During one search, police found a firearm in the possession of one suspect, Maurício Martins Júnior (Maumau), who was subsequently arrested.
The investigation was led by the Organized Crime and Money Laundering Unit (DCOC-LD) in partnership with GRA and Lab-LD. Authorities allege that the influencers not only promoted online gambling platforms previously banned in Brazil but also participated in schemes involving money laundering, fraud, and profit-sharing based on players’ losses.
Who Is Involved
The list of suspects includes well-known social media personalities:
| Name | Followers |
|---|---|
| Bia Miranda | 9.7M |
| Paola Ataíde | 6M |
| Taylane Garcia | 4.5M |
| Paulina Ataíde | 4.4M |
| Maurício Martins Júnior (Maumau) | 3.5M |
| Buarque | 2.8M |
| Jenny Brito Miranda | 1.2M |
| Naiara Duarte | 491K |
| Lorrany Rafael | 343K |
| Samuel Sant’Anna (Gato Preto) | 294K |
| Vanessinha Freires | 203K |
| Mohammed MDM | 195K |
| Luiza Ferreira | 112K |
| Agência Mikael Santos | 15K |
The Financial Scheme
Investigators discovered that influencers were paid up to USD 45,000 for a three-month promotional campaign and could earn as much as 50% Revshare from referred players. Between 2022 and 2024, approximately BRL 40 million passed through their personal accounts.
The funds were moved through fintech companies and shell corporations. A court has authorized access to their financial records. The total turnover of the scheme is estimated at roughly BRL 4.5 billion.
How the Promotion Worked
According to the investigation, influencers used their Instagram and TikTok accounts to showcase a lavish lifestyle, promise fast and substantial winnings, and share “strategies” for playing. These posts enticed followers to click promotional links and deposit money into online casinos.
Authorities stressed that these were not sports betting platforms but online slot machines, the most popular being “Jogo do Tigrinho.”
What Is Jogo do Tigrinho
Fortune Tiger, better known in Brazil as Jogo do Tigrinho, is a mobile slot game. To play, users must register with an online casino offering the slot. Until late 2023, such games were banned in Brazil. Law 14.790/23 legalized them in online format, but physical slot machines remain prohibited.
Other Popular Online Gambling Games
- Spaceman / Aviator / JetX — “crash”-type games where a bet multiplies as a graph rises, and players must cash out before it “crashes.”
- Mines — similar to Minesweeper, where players open tiles to find stars while avoiding hidden mines.
Risks for Players
The majority of players ultimately lose money. Even in cases of occasional winnings, withdrawing funds can be difficult. Police note that this is one reason why the promotion of such games can be classified as public deception.
Potential Consequences
All 15 suspects face charges of fraud, money laundering, and crimes against the economy. Some may also face additional charges, including illegal possession of firearms.