From sports betting to money laundering – Esportes da Sorte CEO arrested

Júlia Moura September 6, 2024

Darwin Henrique da Silva Filho, Head of the sports betting platform Esportes da Sorte, was arrested by police yesterday as part of the third phase of “Operation Integration,” which is investigating money laundering and illegal gambling. This phase of the operation also led to the arrest of digital influencer Deolane Bezerra and her mother, Solange Bezerra. More details about the case can be found here.

The law firm Rigueira, Amorim, Caribé e Leitão, representing Darwin Filho, confirmed his arrest and reported that his wife, Maria Eduarda Filizola, was also taken into custody after turning herself in. According to the defence, the couple appeared at the police station on Thursday morning, gave their statements, and are cooperating fully with the investigation. The defence has filed a habeas corpus request, which is currently under review by the Court of Justice of Pernambuco (TJPE).

Operation Integration

Operation Integration began in December 2022, when R$ 180,000 in cash and documents were seized from the headquarters of Caminhos da Sorte, a company owned by Darwin Filho’s father, Darwin Henrique da Silva. The investigation uncovered strong links between this company and illicit activities, leading to the breach of tax secrecy.

Esportes da Sorte, known for sponsoring major football clubs like Corinthians and Athletico-PR, has also come under scrutiny. Investigators revealed that the company was used to launder money from illegal activities such as jogo do bicho (a popular but illegal gambling game). In 2023, the company purchased two luxury vehicles, a Ferrari and a Lamborghini Urus Performante, for R$ 8 million. Deolane Bezerra also confirmed that she acquired a Lamborghini Urus Performante for R$ 3.85 million that same year.

Investigators identified unusual financial activities, including the purchase of luxury vehicles and real estate, which do not align with the income declared by those involved. As a result, 24 search and seizure warrants were issued and executed across six states: Goiás, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Paraíba, Pernambuco, and São Paulo. The Ministry of Justice and Public Security reported that approximately R$ 3 billion was moved by the group from January 2019 to May 2023. The funds were laundered through various channels, including event companies, advertising agencies, exchange houses, and insurance, involving methods like fractional deposits, bank transactions, and the purchase of luxury goods and real estate. Esportes da Sorte has issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to legality and transparency. The company stated that it is cooperating fully with the authorities and is in full compliance with the law, though it does not have access to the specifics of the ongoing investigation.