Federal Police creates group to investigate sports manipulation

THE PolthereFederal cia created a specialized group to investigate the manipulation of sports results, betting fraud and the operation of illegal bets in Brazil. The creation of the so-called “Base Bets” was made official this Tuesday (12), through publication in the corporation’s internal bulletin.

Linked to the Directorate for Investigation and Combating Organized Crime and Corruption, the new structure will initially operate for one year, with the possibility of extension.

According to the act of creation, the group will be responsible for investigating crimes related to the manipulation of sports competitions, illicit or fraudulent exploitation of fixed-odd bets, money laundering, private corruption, embezzlement, criminal association and other crimes linked to the sector.

The unit will also focus on identifying leaders, intermediaries, financiers, strategic bettors and sports agents involved in criminal schemes, in addition to working on asset recovery and seizure of assets.

According to the PF, the creation of the group occurred after dialogue with the Ministries of Finance, Sports and Justice and Public Security. The initiative is part of the National Policy for Preventing and Combating the Manipulation of Sports Results, coordinated by the Ministry of Sports.

The minimum structure of “Base Apostas” will include a delegate, a clerk and three police analysts, one of whom will be responsible for the operational management of the unit.

The new offensive occurs amid the federal government’s toughening up against irregularities in the betting market. In recent months, the Executive began discussing increased taxation on bets and implemented restrictive measures, such as banning betting for beneficiaries of Novo Desenrola Brasil.

The regulated betting sector, on the other hand, has argued that the main problem lies in the illegal market, which operates without federal authorization, does not collect taxes and can be used for money laundering and other financial crimes.

In addition to national investigations, the PF informed that the group will also work in international police cooperation and in coordination with regulatory bodies, sports entities and operators authorized by the federal government.