The Ministry of Finance has mandated the immediate suspension of Pixbet, a sports betting company operating in Paraíba. This measure also involves canceling ongoing bets and ensuring the reimbursement of wagers to users.
This decision is part of Operation Arena, which was initiated on Thursday by the federal police, the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Ministry of Finance, and the Federal Revenue Service. The operation is focused on investigating allegations of currency evasion and money laundering linked to the business group associated with Pixbet.
On Thursday, Ernildo Júnior, the owner of Pixbet, was encountered by federal police in Campina Grande, where officials executed a search and seizure warrant, taking possession of his vehicle and cell phone.
In a statement to G1, the legal team representing Pixbet revealed they did not have prior access to the order authorizing the operational measures and felt “caught by surprise.” They indicated that a detailed comment would follow once they reviewed the order.
The suspension stems from claims that Pixbet did not comply with necessary regulations for monitoring and supervising betting activities and that it lacks important mechanisms for tracking compulsive gambling behaviors. According to the Ministry of Finance's order, Pixbet failed to submit crucial information required by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) and operates under the domains "pix.bet.br," "ganhei.bet.br," and "betdasorte.bet.br."
The SPA noted that the precautionary action was executed due to significant risks posed to bettors and the overall regulated market. Consequently, tax authorities have instructed the cessation of activities for the company's associated websites. Pixbet may only resume operations if it adequately submits the required information and demonstrates compliance with SPA regulations.
Notably, this suspension is separate from the ongoing Operation Arena, which targets money laundering activities involving cryptocurrencies and offshore companies. This operation also commenced on Thursday. The SPA clarified that disciplinary procedures against Pixbet had already begun prior to the federal operation.
The government’s decision obligates the cancellation of all bets currently in play, mandating the return of wagered amounts to bettors. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance has imposed a fine of BRL200,000 per day for non-compliance with the suspension order. However, Pixbet retains the ability to continue operating in Rio de Janeiro and Paraná, where it holds local permits.
Operation Arena aims to investigate a business group suspected of using complex corporate and financial structures abroad to obscure the origins and ends of funds acquired through gambling and sports betting, with Pixbet under scrutiny within this framework. A total of 19 search and seizure warrants were executed across states including Paraíba, São Paulo, Sergipe, Rio de Janeiro, and Paraná, with actions taken to breach banking and telecommunications privacy, targeting assets totaling up to BRL1.1 billion.
In Paraíba, the headquarters of Pixbet in Campina Grande and the residence of an individual identified as a “front man” for the organization were specifically raided during this operation. The individuals being investigated may face charges concerning currency evasion, money laundering, and other violations of the national financial system.
