Brazilian police arrest influencer who promoted unlicensed gaming platforms

On August 1, as part of Operation Dirty Money, influencer Taina Sousa was arrested. The girl could face charges of money laundering, participating in organized crime, and promoting unlicensed gaming platforms such as Jogo do Tigrinho

The girl allegedly led a criminal group of at least five people who were engaged in promoting illegal gaming platforms through social media. The group is suspected of laundering money through third-party bank accounts and buying expensive items, including cars. Now, their assets worth more than $2 million are frozen by the authorities.

Taina Sousa became famous for showing off her lavish lifestyle, putting expensive purchases on display and sharing her travels. This image was presented as a “quick profit” that could be made by depositing into an illegal gambling platform through WhatsApp, which she sent her followers to.

There is a possibility that the Brazilian influencer had a “death list” that could include politicians, law enforcement officers, the investigator leading the case, and journalists, all those people who publicly spoke out against or fought against illegal gaming platforms.

Moreover, suspicions that this list belongs to Taina arose after the death of journalist Luis Cardoso from a heart attack in April 2025. Luis’ name was on that list, and the influencer publicly commented on his death.

The authorities had previously been interested in the girl when she admitted to using the deceased person’s credit card, but the investigation was suspended. The girl was also accused of cruelty to animals, she gave her dog alcohol and energy drinks on camera.

At the moment, her Instagram account has been blocked by a court decision.