Nelson Wilians suspended by OAB-SP amid betting and fraud probes

The São Paulo section of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB-SP) has issued a 90-day preventive suspension of the professional registration for prominent tax attorney Nelson Wilians. This disciplinary measure follows extensive investigations by the Federal Police (PF) and the Public Ministry regarding alleged involvement in large-scale money laundering and tax evasion schemes.

The investigations, including ‘Operation Arena’, focus on a suspected structure used to conceal the origin and destination of funds generated through online sports betting and gambling. Authorities are looking into whether offshore companies were used to facilitate the movement of capital. Wilians, the founder of the major firm Nelson Wilians Advogados (NWADV), has already stepped down from the firm's management to an executive committee.

In addition to the betting-related probes, Wilians has been a target of investigations into fraudulent ICMS tax credits. During police operations, high-value assets including luxury vehicles and artwork were seized. Wilians has expressed “deep indignation” regarding the OAB suspension and has stated his intention to contest the decision through legal channels, maintaining his innocence.