Businessman arrested in Paraíba gambling and money laundering probe

Cícero Fabiano Melo Silva, a lottery businessman, was arrested in João Pessoa during an operation led by the Civil Police of Mato Grosso do Sul. The investigation targets the illegal exploitation of bingos and other gambling activities, as well as suspected money laundering.

Authorities executed five search and seizure warrants across several locations in João Pessoa—including the Bessa, Aeroclube, and Altiplano neighborhoods—and in Campina Grande. During the operation, police seized computers, mobile phones, and documents to assist in tracing financial movements and identifying potential accomplices.

Silva's defense maintains that his company, Paraíba Premiada, is not involved in the investigation. The legal team stated they have not yet been granted access to the specific information underlying the arrest.