Security agencies are investigating the alleged use of raffles in Zulia as a mechanism to launder money from various illicit activities.
A special report to which we had partial access states that, in recent years, in Maracaibo (Zulia) and other towns in the border entity, there has been an “alarming growth of illegal raffles promoted through social networks.”
These raffles, which offer vehicles, motorcycles and other high-value goods, operate without the corresponding permits, exposing participants to scams, fraud and criminal activities associated with organized crime, such as money laundering, extortion and drug trafficking. says the preliminary investigation.
The analysis indicates that in times of crisis, low-income people bet at random, without counting those compulsive gamblers who cast lots continuously.
Businessmen know this and that is why they open windows for betting, especially through promotional channels on the social networks Instagram and WhatsApp, among others.
“These raffles usually use the results of legal lotteries as a reference to determine winners, generating a false sense of legitimacy. However, they lack authorization from the National Lottery Commission (Conalot), which makes them illegal activities,” the report says.
The initial investigation determined that, frequently, the organizers of these illegal games use the logos and registered trademarks of Venezuelan lotteries such as Zulia and Táchira, to deceive the public and make them believe that the raffles are endorsed by these institutions. “The logos are replicated on social networks, generating confusion and attracting people who are unaware of the illegality of these activities,” the report warns.
Companies and accounts
Various Instagram accounts and businesses in Maracaibo have been identified as responsible for organizing illegal raffles, the report describes, specifically mentioning five internet sites investigated.
“These accounts offer vehicles, motorcycles and cash prizes, but they do not have authorization from Conalot or legal documentation to support the legitimacy of their raffles,” the report records.
“In many cases, the raffled prizes are high-end vehicles that do not have clear import or nationalization documentation. This raises doubts about their origin and opens the possibility that these raffles may be used as mechanisms for money laundering or trafficking in stolen or illicit goods,” the document stressed.
In addition, the draws are carried out without public broadcast and the awarding of prizes is in question, which exposes participants to losing the money invested, the report highlights.
In this sense, article 32 of the National Lottery Law also establishes that “no natural or legal person may organize, operate, promote or carry out lottery, games of chance or raffle activities, without the due authorization granted by the National Lottery Commission. Lottery. Failure to comply with this provision will give rise to the imposition of administrative sanctions, without prejudice to the corresponding criminal actions, in accordance with the provisions of this Law and other applicable regulations.”
That same law refers to article 462 of the Penal Code, which stipulates the crime of fraud and establishes sanctions for those who deceive others in unauthorized commercial operations or lottery activities.
The Regulations of the National Lottery Law reinforce such provisions, regulating the operation of lotteries and raffles, establishing strict requirements to guarantee transparency and consumer protection.
Similar regulation was reflected in Administrative Ruling No. 2009-0040, published in the Official Gazette No. 39,222 of July 16, 2009.
At random
· In 2022, the Táchira Lottery publicly denounced the growth of illegal raffles that affect not only its operations, but also the resources destined for social programs, according to its president Marcos Albarrán Briceño.
· The Táchira and Zulia lotteries have warned citizens that the raffles authorized and supported by these institutions can be verified through their official Instagram accounts: @lotdeltachira and @loteriazulia.
· “In these accounts the list of companies and raffles that have proper authorization is published. Citizens can access these platforms to verify if a raffle is legitimate and has the support of the competent authorities, thus avoiding falling into scams or participating in illegal raffles,” warn the aforementioned lotteries.
