Brazil faces further integrity challenges as Flamengo‘s Bruno Henrique becomes a target in Operation Spot Fixing, an investigation into alleged match-fixing.
The operation was launched by the Federal Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Federal District, as reported by SBC Noticias. The investigation has received additional support from the Special Action Group to Combat Organised Crime, part of Rio de Janeiro’s Public Ministry.
On the morning of 5 November, Federal Police agents set out to carry out 12 search and seizure warrants issued by the Federal District court. These warrants were executed in Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Vespasiano, Lagoa Santa, and Ribeirão das Neves. Henrique’s brother, sister-in-law and two friends are also under investigation in the operation.
The Federal Police visited several locations, including Bruno Henrique’s home in Barra da Tijuca, Flamengo’s training centee (known as the Vulture’s Nest) in Vargem Grande and the club’s headquarters in Gávea. Henrique was found at his residence, where authorities seized his computer and phone.
A 31st-round 2023 Brasileirão match between Flamengo and Santos in Brasilia is being investigated. In the 50th minute, Henrique was booked for a foul on Soteldo, then received a second yellow for protesting, resulting in him being sent off. Flamengo went on to lose the match 2-1.
This match raised suspicions following reports from the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) and Sportradar, organisations that analyse betting risks.
The reports highlighted an unusually high volume of bets on Henrique receiving a yellow card. The bets were placed across three different companies and, according to the investigation, were made by the player’s friends and relatives.
If found guilty, Henrique could be imprisoned for up to six years. “It is, in theory, a crime against the uncertainty of the sporting result, which finds the conduct typified in the General Sports Law, with a penalty of two to six years of imprisonment,” said the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Rio de Janeiro
Flamengo, Henrique’s club, issued a statement that read: “The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo became aware, on this date, of the existence of an investigation, still ongoing, dealing with the possible practice of match-fixing and sports betting.
“The Club has not yet had access to the records of the investigation, since the case runs in secrecy of justice, but it is important to note that, while 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 clarifies, finally, that there was an investigation in the sports field, before the STJD, which has already been filed, but it cannot say that it is the same case and will wait for the investigation to unfold.
“The athlete continues to carry out his professional activities normally. He trains and travels with the delegation this Tuesday to Belo Horizonte.”
Last week, The Brazilian Ministry of Finance signed agreements with Sportradar and the IBIA to strengthen sports betting integrity throughout the country.
The agreements with both organisations were formalised through the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting, as Brazil aims to strengthen this aspect ahead of its regulated market launch in January 2024.
Recently, Brazil has been at the centre of several suspicious betting investigations in football. Ongoing cases involve West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá, and Brazilian footballer Luiz Henrique.
