Investigation reveals how Nego Di used virtual sweepstakes to launder money
The influencer and his wife were the target of an operation investigating suspected laundering of R$2 million. Deposits made by draw participants were directed to accounts linked to companies and relatives.
The couple would have raised around R$2 million by promoting illegal raffles - Photo Reproduction/MPRS/Disclosure
Recently, an investigation revealed a scheme in which influencer Nego Di used virtual draws to disguise illicit transactions and legitimize large amounts of money. According to information from the Public Ministry of Rio Grande do Sul (MPRS), Nego Di used sweepstakes with attractive prizes, such as instant money via PIX, cell phones and video games, to engage the public and generate revenue. However, this practice constitutes money laundering. This Friday (12), an operation was conducted in Santa Catarina, focusing on the influencer and his wife, Gabriela Sousa. She was detained in the act, but after paying bail of R$14,000, she was released.
The Virtual Sweepstakes Scheme
Negotiate at, Known for his irreverent humor and appearances on reality shows, began promoting virtual raffles on its social networks, offering various prizes such as cars, electronics and money. At first, these giveaways seemed like just a way to engage your followers and increase your online popularity. However, investigations indicate that behind this facade, there was a complex money laundering operation.
In January, when holding a draw for an armored luxury car, Nego Di attracted the attention of the Public Ministry. The investigation revealed that deposits from draws promoted by Nego Di were directed to accounts linked to his wife, companies in the couple's name and even relatives. Financial transactions reached R$2.6 million. The promotion involved the offer of a Porsche, announced by the influencer as follows: "The Porsche can be yours for just 0.99 cents. You will take home 10 winning tickets worth 10 thousand each."
According to Flávio Duarte, prosecutor at the 8th Specialized Criminal Justice Prosecutor's Office, the scheme constitutes money laundering. According to him, all resources obtained through raffles promoted by the influencer are illicit. The prosecutor explained that the amounts were initially deposited into a third person's account. Later, they returned to a company, where they were incorporated, giving the impression of legality. Thus, the values were far from their known illegal origin, originating from criminal activity, before being used to acquire goods.
This entire process of concealment and distancing from the criminal source constitutes the crime of money laundering. Investigators discovered that Nego Di used part of the resources to buy two cars, valued at more than R$630,000.. The Public Ministry is investigating whether one of these vehicles was raffled off and where it is now.
The promoter also highlighted the lack of control over raffles, with no set date for the draws. Duarte explained that, during the draw process, he sold the vehicle directly to a business partner company, without evidence that the draw actually took place. Even after selling the car to a dealer, raffle amounts continued to be deposited into their accounts.
MP operation
Luxury cars and restricted-use weapons were seized from the MP - Photo Reproduction / Public Ministry / Disclosure
In the Public Prosecutor's Office operation investigating suspicions of money laundering involving the influencer and his wife, Gabriela, search and seizure warrants were executed on the coast of Santa Catarina. According to prosecutor Flávio Duarte, responsible for the case, two luxury vehicles belonging to those investigated were confiscated, and a restricted-use weapon was seized. The objective of the searches included obtaining documents, social media, cell phones and other items to clarify the extent of the crimes allegedly committed and the amounts obtained by the couple. Furthermore, the Public Prosecutor's Office obtained in court the blocking of values and the unavailability of assets of those being investigated and third parties linked to the facts investigated.
Defense of Nego Di and Gabriela
In an official statement, the defense of the influencer and his wife reported that they have not yet had access to the investigation conducted by the Public Ministry. However, they reaffirm that all the details of the situation and the innocence of both will be clarified and proven through due legal process. The defense also emphasized the importance of avoiding speculation and disclosing information about confidential processes, aiming to preserve the integrity of the investigations and those involved.
Legal Implications
Law No. 9,613 of 1998 defines the crime of money laundering, which consists of hiding or disguising the illicit origin of goods or values resulting from criminal activities. The term "money laundering" derives from the need to give an appearance of legality to illegally acquired money, thus making it "clean". For example, this may occur when someone purchases works of art or luxury goods with illegally obtained money and later resells them as part of an apparently legal business operation.
Offenders, if convicted, face severe penalties that include imprisonment for a period of 3 to 10 years, in addition to heavy fines. The legislation provides for stricter punishments for cases in which the crime is committed habitually or through a criminal organization. However, the law also offers possible benefits to defendants who spontaneously collaborate with authorities.
These benefits may include a significant reduction in the sentence, the application of a less severe prison regime, the non-imposition of the sentence or the replacement with alternative sentences. This occurs when the accused provides information that helps in investigating crimes, identifying others involved or locating assets or values involved in money laundering.
