Diego Costa is under investigation by the Brazilian Federal Police in Sergipe, where he is from.
The Atletico Mineiro striker is suspected of involvement in “gambling, money laundering, tax evasion and a criminal organization” involving a sports betting site, according to a statement from the country’s authorities.
As part of an investigation launched earlier this year, federal police have already searched the home of a Spaniard who Globo Esporte has said is expected to be one of the sponsors of the scheme.
The authorities also state that “in the first phase of the operation” “documents and electronic equipment were seized, which allowed for a deepening of the investigation.”
In turn, Atletico Mineiro reacted to this with a statement and stressed that he did not know the facts and that they “preceded Diego Costa’s arrival at the club.” Nonetheless, Halo has ensured that he will “provide all the support it needs” to the 32-year-old.
Federal Police Statement:
“On Wednesday morning, 09/30/2021, the Federal Police will begin the second phase of Operation DISTRACTION with the aim of obtaining evidence to investigate alleged gambling, money laundering, tax evasion and criminal offenses. An organization with the participation of the ESPORTENET bookmaker, its owners, financial operators and financier.
At the first stage of the operation, which took place on 03.03.2021, documents and electronic equipment were seized, which made it possible to deepen the investigation, and in the amount of R $ 13,129,217. [cerca de dois milhões de euros] In a similar way. Based on the collected evidence, it was possible to identify other betting platforms that were used by the group, as well as by individual companies and legal entities for money laundering and tax evasion.
In addition, the participation of money changers helping a criminal organization in the process of tax evasion was checked, as well as the participation of a football player who is allegedly the financier of the criminal scheme.
At this stage, the investigation focuses on the tax evasion process, with a focus on the money changers and the bookmaker’s financier.
Seven search and seizure warrants are in progress: 02 in Itabayan / SE, 01 in Lagarto / SE, 02 in Simão Dias / SE, 01 in El Salvador / BA and 01 in Sao Paulo / SP. The order was issued by the 6th Federal Court of Itabayana / SE.
Warrants for the arrest of property belonging to the participants in the criminal scheme are also being executed. “
