Social media influencer and criminal lawyer Deolane Bezerra was arrested during a police operation investigating a money laundering scheme connected to illegal online gambling earlier this week. The arrest occurred as part of the third phase of Operation Integration, led by the Civil Police of Pernambuco. The operation executed 19 arrest warrants and 24 search and seizure warrants across six Brazilian states. One of the key targets, besides Deolane, was Esportes da Sorte, a major online bookmaker that sponsors football clubs like Corinthians, Athletico-PR, and Palmeiras.

Deolane was apprehended at a hotel in the S?o José district of Recife, where she was staying with her family. During the operation, authorities seized numerous luxury items, including 11 Rolex watches, two helicopters, one airplane (owned by singer Gusttavo Lima), luxury cars, boats, real estate, jewellery, foreign currency, designer bags, and bottles of wine valued at approximately 5,000 reais each.

The Civil Police reported that the scheme laundered approximately BRL 3 billion between 2019 and 2023, involving event companies, currency exchanges, and other enterprises used to conceal funds derived from illegal gambling. Deolane’s mother, Solange Bezerra, was also arrested and later hospitalised after feeling unwell.

Known for her over 20 million social media followers and catchphrases like “mom is on,” Deolane released a statement on Instagram shortly after her arrest. In the message, she claimed to be the victim of a “great injustice” and denied any involvement in criminal activities, asserting that her income came from legitimate advertising deals with bookmakers. Her defence attorney, Adélia Soares, stated that Deolane is fully cooperating with authorities and is committed to clarifying the situation.

According to the Civil Police of Pernambuco, the investigation began in April 2023. In addition to Deolane, 18 other suspects are under investigation, though their names have not been made public. The operation spanned multiple states, including S?o Paulo, Paraíba, and Goiás. Esportes da Sorte remains a primary focus, with searches conducted at the residence of its CEO, Darwin Henrique, in Recife.

Deolane has been involved in previous controversies. In 2022, she was the subject of a search and seizure warrant related to another investigation into illegal gambling. She gained national attention in 2021 after the death of her partner, singer MC Kevin, who fell from a hotel balcony in Rio de Janeiro—a case that sparked significant media attention.

Operation Integration

Operation Integration, led by the Civil Police of Pernambuco, uncovered a sophisticated illegal gambling and money laundering scheme that moved nearly BRL 3 billion. As part of the operation, 19 arrest warrants and 24 search warrants were executed in cities such as Recife, S?o Paulo, Paraná, Paraíba, and Goiás. Authorities seized 17 luxury cars, 38 vehicles, over 100 properties, four planes, and seven boats, while nearly BRL 3 billion in bank accounts and investments were frozen by court order.

The operation involved the efforts of 170 police officers, alongside Interpol and civil police from various states. The investigation revealed that the criminal organization used atypical banking transactions, fractional deposits, and luxury purchases to conceal the origins of their illicit funds.

The probe began in April 2023, following the seizure of BRL 180,000 in December 2022. The group utilized event, advertising, currency exchange, and insurance companies to launder money, often making rapid deposits and withdrawals, as well as purchasing high-end goods such as cars, planes, and jewellery. Investigators found that many of the suspects led lifestyles far beyond their declared incomes.

The operation also uncovered an international network facilitating money laundering through foreign exchange houses and remittance companies, including transfers to countries considered tax havens, adding further complexity to the investigation.

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