Brazil to target betting and tobacco in crime operations

Brazil is preparing law enforcement operations to target organized crime links within the online betting and tobacco sectors. The initiative aims to disrupt the financial networks of criminal organizations involved in cigarette smuggling and unlicensed gambling. Criminal groups have infiltrated unlicensed betting platforms that bypass existing Brazilian regulations.

### Choking Financial Flows to Criminal Groups The upcoming operations focus on choking off the revenue streams of gangs involved in the illegal sale of tobacco products. A senior government official with direct knowledge of the matter said these groups often use small financial institutions and fintechs to launder illicit funds.