Soccer Stars Targeted in Brazil Salary Diversion Scheme: Over $1 Million Stolen

Brasilia – A sophisticated criminal operation in Brazil has targeted prominent soccer players, diverting over $1 million in salaries. Gabriel Barbosa, known as Gabigol from Cruzeiro, and Argentine Walter Kannemann of Grêmio, are among the victims of the scheme, which prompted a joint police operation across multiple states on Tuesday [1].

Operation “False 9” Uncovers Widespread Fraud

Dubbed “False 9,” the operation, supported by the Ministry of Justice, executed nine arrest warrants and 22 search and seizure warrants in Porto Velho (RO), Cuiabá (MT), Curitiba (PR), Admiral Tamandaré (PR), and Labrea (AM). Authorities arrested two individuals in Curitiba believed to be the leaders of the criminal group, seizing cell phones, documents containing victim data, and fraudulent identification cards [2].

the investigation revealed that the criminal group diverted just over $800,000 from Gabigol’s account and approximately $400,000 from Walter Kannemann. A portion of the stolen funds was traced to residents of Porto Velho and Cuiabá.To date, law enforcement has recovered about $135,000 of the total amount diverted.

How the Scheme Worked

The elaborate scheme involved opening bank accounts using fake documents and the personal data of soccer players. The criminals then requested the transfer of the players’ salaries to these fraudulent accounts. Once the funds were received, the scammers moved the money to other financial institutions, made purchases, or withdrew cash from ATMs, making it challenging to track and recover the stolen assets.

Did You Know? The name “False 9” refers to a soccer tactic where a player deceptively moves, mirroring the criminals’ methods.

The financial institution that detected the fraud has since corrected the vulnerability and compensated the affected players, who were unaware of the scheme. The investigation also identified legal entities based in Cuiabá and Porto Velho, along with individuals, who collectively received over $287,000 from the diverted funds.

Pro Tip: Regularly review your bank statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity.

What steps should be taken to prevent similar schemes in the future? How can financial institutions better protect their clients from fraud?

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