The Spot-fixing operation, by the Federal Police, has the player Bruno Henrique Flamengo striker, as the main target. According to investigations, Bruno Henrique is suspected of causing a yellow card in a match against Santos, in last year’s Brazilian Championship, to benefit friends and family who bet on the warning .
The “Spot-fixing” operation is carried out by the PF in conjunction with the Special Action Group to Combat Organized Crime (GAECO) of the Public Ministry of the Federal District. Agents from the Public Ministry of Rio de Janeiro and the Public Ministry of Minas Gerais support the action.
What is known about the operation
The player is being investigated for manipulating a Brazilian Championship match between Flamengo and Santos, on November 1, 2023. The game was held at the Mané Garrincha stadium, in Brasília.
The “Spot-fixing” operation is carried out by the PF in conjunction with the Special Action Group to Combat Organized Crime (GAECO) of the Public Ministry of the Federal District. Agents from the Public Ministry of Rio de Janeiro and the Public Ministry of Minas Gerais support the action.
In total, more than 50 federal police officers and six prosecutors from GAECO/DF carried out 12 search and seizure warrants at addresses linked to the Flamengo athlete.
The orders are complied with in the cities of Rio de Janeiro and in four municipalities in Minais Gerais: Belo Horizonte, Vespasiano, Lagoa Santa and Ribeirão das Neves.
Agents search the homes of 11 people under investigation. See who the suspects are below:
- Bruno Henrique, Flamengo football player
- Wander Nunes Pinto Junior, brother of Bruno Henrique
- Ludymilla Araujo Lima, sister-in-law of Bruno Henrique
- Poliana Ester Nunes Cardoso, cousin of Bruno Henrique
- Claudinei Vitor Mosquete Bassan
- Rafaela Cristina
- Elias Bassan
- Henrique Mosquete do Nascimento
- Andryl Sales Nascimento dos Reis
- Douglas Ribeiro Pina Barcelos
- Max Evangelista Amorim
All of those mentioned who are not relatives of the Flamengo striker reside in Belo Horizonte, the player’s hometown, and have some connection with the world of football, according to investigations. Among them are former players and amateur athletes.
One of the warrants was carried out at Bruno Henrique’s house, in Barra da Tijuca, West Zone of Rio.
CNN found that cell phones, computers and other personal items of those being investigated were seized. The police will then analyze the content of the seized material to advance the investigation.
The suspects may face charges of match fraud and passive and active sports corruption, crimes provided for in the General Sports Law. They can still be charged with money laundering and criminal association or organization.
The court orders were issued by the 7th Criminal Court of Brasília. The name of the operation “Spot-fixing” comes from an English expression that refers to the manipulation of a specific aspect of a game, but not related to the result.
The investigation
As determined by the CNN there is evidence that Bruno Henrique “acted deliberately” during a dispute against Santos, on November 1, 2023, to be punished by the referee with a card aiming to enable him to family members, who were aware of this intention in advance, made money through sports betting .
On that occasion, Santos managed to win over Flamengo, 2-1, in the 31st round of the Brazilian Championship, played at the Mané Garrincha Stadium, in Brasília.
Flamengo published a position note on the Federal Police investigation. Read below in full:
“The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo became aware, on this date, of the existence of an investigation, still ongoing, looking into the possible practice of manipulation of results and sports betting.
The Club has not yet had access to the investigation files, as the case is being carried out under judicial secrecy, but it is important to note that, at the same time as it will support the authorities, it will give full support to the athlete Bruno Henrique, who enjoys our trust and, like any person, enjoys the presumption of innocence.
Flamengo finally clarifies that there was an investigation in the sporting field, before the STJD, which has already been archived, but it cannot say that this is the same case and will await the investigation’s development.
The athlete continues to carry out his professional activities normally. Train and travel with the delegation this Tuesday, to Belo Horizonte”.
Bruno Henrique’s defense informed CNN that he will not comment for now.
This content was originally published in What is known about the investigation against Bruno Henrique in a betting scheme on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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