Nelson Wilians steps down from NWADV following police operation

Lawyer Nelson Wilians has stepped down indefinitely from the management of his law firm, NWADV, following a Federal Police operation known as ‘Operação Arena’. The firm announced that an Executive Committee will take over administration to ensure institutional governance and operational continuity.

The police operation targets a business group suspected of using domestic and offshore corporate and financial structures to launder money derived from gambling and sports betting. Authorities have executed search and seizure warrants across five states and have sought the seizure of up to R$ 1.1 billion in assets. The investigation involves various sports betting companies, including PixBet, which maintains a professional relationship with Wilians’ firm. Wilians’ defense stated that the link to PixBet is strictly legal, based on the provision of legal services.

This investigation follows a previous operation in July involving allegations of fraudulent ICMS tax credits. Wilians stated his departure is intended to allow him to focus on his family and remain available to authorities to clarify the ongoing investigation.