The Federal Government officially launched this week (May 12) the Investigation Group for the Repression of Sports Results Manipulation, Betting Fraud, and Related Crimes, named “Base Apostas.”
The new Federal Police structure was created with the mission of protecting the integrity of Brazilian sports and dismantling criminal networks operating within the illegal betting market, a move that immediately received support from the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR).
Intelligence and disruption of criminal finances
Base Apostas will not only operate on the front line of criminal investigations but will also focus heavily on financial intelligence and asset recovery.
Its central objective is to financially dismantle transnational organizations that use match-fixing schemes for money laundering and illegal capital transfers.
The structure will use advanced digital platform monitoring techniques and data analysis, relying on professionals specialized in financial crimes and the complex fixed-odds betting ecosystem.
According to Giovanni Rocco, National Secretary for Sports Betting, the initiative is vital for public trust:
“Protecting sports results means protecting athletes, fans, and the sustainable development of sports.”
IBJR: the regulated market as an ally
IBJR’s support for the initiative reinforces a clear narrative: the regulated market is the main ally in the fight against crime.
Licensed operators already invest in international monitoring systems and advanced technologies, such as facial recognition, to ensure compliance and report suspicious patterns to organizations like the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).
The biggest challenge, however, remains the illegal market. According to data highlighted by IBJR:
– Market volume: The illegal sector moves approximately R$40 billion annually.
-Public losses: Brazil is estimated to lose R$10.8 billion per year in unpaid taxes.
-Consumer risks: Unauthorized platforms do not offer payment guarantees or data protection and are often used as fronts for criminal organizations.
International cooperation and national policy
The creation of Base Apostas is a direct result of the National Policy for the Prevention and Combat of Sports Results Manipulation (PNPEMR), established in April.
The initiative involves unprecedented coordination between the Ministries of Sports, Justice, and Finance, alongside the Federal Police.
Given the transnational nature of match-fixing operations, the new Federal Police unit will prioritize international law enforcement cooperation.
The strategy is clear: to create an environment where technical compliance is the only path to operating in the country, isolating illegal networks and strengthening legal certainty for operators that chose regulation.
