Diego Costa’s house searches: suspected gambling offenses

Diego Costa is under investigation by the Brazilian Federal Police in Sergipe, the state to which he is from.

According to a statement from the authorities of that country, the Atlético Mineiro striker is suspected of “exploiting games of chance, money laundering, tax evasion and criminal organization” involving a sports betting site.

As part of an investigation that began at the beginning of the year, federal police have already searched the home of the Spain international who is allegedly going to be, according to Globo Esporte, one of the financiers of the scheme.

The authorities also stated that “in the first stage of the operation” documents and electronic equipment were seized, which allowed to deepen the investigation.

In turn, Atletico Mineiro responded in a statement and confirmed that he did not know the facts and that these “predate Diego Costa’s arrival at the club”. However, Gallo assured that he will “give all necessary support” to the 32-year-old.

Federal Police statement:

“The Federal Police, on the morning of Wednesday 30/9/2021, launched the second phase of the dismantling process, with the aim of obtaining evidence to investigate allegations of the practice of gambling exploitation, money laundering and tax and criminal evasion. An organization that includes the ESPORTENET betting site, its owners, financial operators and the financier.

In the first phase of the operation, which took place on 03/03/2021, documents and electronic equipment that allowed for a deepening of the investigation were seized, and an amount of 13,129,217.00 Brazilian riyals was seized. [cerca de dois milhões de euros] my eyes. Based on the evidence collected, it was possible to identify other betting platforms used by the group, individual companies and legal entities used for money laundering and tax evasion.

In addition, the participation of money changers who assist the criminal organization in the tax evasion process, as well as the participation of a football player who is supposed to be the financier of the criminal scheme, was verified.

At this point, the investigation focuses on the tax evasion process, focusing on the money changers and the betting site financier.

Seven search and seizure orders are executed: 02 in Itabaiana/SE, 01 in Lagarto/SE, 02 in Simão Dias/SE, 01 in Salvador/BA and 01 in São Paulo/SP. The orders were issued by the Court of the Sixth Federal Court of Itabaiana/SE.

Orders to seize the property of those involved in the criminal scheme are also being complied with.”