Brazil's Lula signs decree to freeze illegal betting platform funds

June 19, 2026 10:12 AM EDT

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends the launch ceremony of a program to combat organized crime at the Planalto Palace, in Brasilia, Brazil, May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Adriano Machado

BRASILIA/SAO PAULO, June ‌19 (Reuters) - Brazilian ​President ​Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has signed a decree allowing ‌the government to freeze funds from companies ⁠operating illegal online betting platforms, with the money ‌to be directed to ‌public security actions, he said in a social media post on Friday.

• In ​a video included in the post, Finance Minister Dario Durigan said next ⁠to Lula that frozen funds would be sent to the ​Justice Ministry for legal review before being directed to the National Public ​Security Fund.

• "The decree will ‌make it more effective to block funds from illegal betting firms ⁠at financial institutions that receive and handle these resources," Durigan said.

• A new Finance ⁠Ministry rule, published on Thursday, also made banks and ​fintechs liable for unpaid taxes if they allow transactions from these platforms after being notified by ‌the government.

• Companies and individuals advertising illegal betting platforms also become ‌responsible under the same rule.

(Reporting by ⁠Bernardo Caram in Brasilia ‌and Fernando ​Cardoso in Sao Paulo; Additional reporting by Marcela Ayres; Editing by Milla ‌Nissi-Prussak)



Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

You May Also Be Interested In





Related Categories

Reuters