Brazilian police arrest influencers in R$1.6 billion money-laundering scheme linked to bets and drugs

The Federal Police in São Paulo are investigating lawyer and influencer Deolane Bezerra Santos for suspected money laundering in a scheme involving funk artists and social media personalities that allegedly moved at least R$1.6 billion. The investigation targets a criminal organization that, according to investigators, used the arts sector and digital platforms to conceal funds from illegal bets, clandestine raffles, and drug trafficking. In a Wednesday operation on the 15th, authorities arrested funk artists MC Ryan SP and MC Poze do Rodo along with several influencers. Separately, Instagram removed profiles linked to MC Ryan SP and other figures arrested in the Narco Fluxo operation, including his manager Chrys Dias and his wife Débora Paixão.