This Tuesday (16), the Federal Police (PF) launched Operation Dark Bet, against international trafficking of Brazilians. The objective is to investigate and repress the activities of a criminal organization responsible for recruiting and sending people abroad for the purposes of labor exploitation and coercion into the practice of cybercrimes..
11 judicial search and seizure warrants are being served in the states of Ceará, Maranhão, Paraná, Santa Catarina and São Pauloin addition to personal and property precautionary measures, such as blocking and sequestration of assets and values exceeding R$446 million, as well as 4 temporary arrests, issued by the Federal Court.
Furthermore, the Federal Court ordered the suspension of the business activities of the legal entities involved, in addition to the removal of two sports gaming platforms (BETs) from the air.
According to the PF, investigations began with the arrest of 109 people in Nigeria, including five Brazilians, accused of committing cyber crimes. The Brazilians were hired by a sports gaming company (BET), which operates two platforms in the national territory.
“Today’s operation aims to collect evidence, interrupt criminal activities and hold those involved accountable, including investigating crimes such as international human trafficking for the purpose of labor exploitation, reduction to a condition similar to slavery, criminal organization and other related crimes”, informed the PF.
The PF investigation revealed a structured scheme to recruit victims through social networks and digital platforms. There were promises of high salaries and job opportunities in companies in the online gaming sector. Abroad, workers were subjected to exhausting working hours, withheld documents, restricted freedom, armed surveillance and the imposition of debts..
