Flávio Bolsonaro lands in Miami as betting-linked money laundering probe continues

Flávio Bolsonaro arrived in the US on Wednesday, landing in Miami while Brazilian authorities continue a probe into alleged financial crimes tied to betting companies. For PSPs, acquirers, and banks, the part that matters is simple: this is not just a political story, it is a reminder that betting flows can sit right at the center of money-laundering scrutiny.

1. According to The Guardian, Bolsonaro’s private jet touched down at Miami-Opa Locka executive airport, and he was driven away by police without making a comment. A press conference was expected on either Wednesday or Thursday.
2. Bolsonaro faces at least two criminal investigations. One concerns suspicions that he took part in a money-laundering scheme worth around $905 million involving betting companies.
3. After the election result, the Federal Police asked the Supreme Federal Court (STF) to hold his passports in that case, fearing he would flee. Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered him to hand over his civilian and diplomatic passports and banned him from leaving Brazil. By 11am on Tuesday, he had not complied, so police cancelled them.
4. Investigators suspect Bolsonaro secretly co-owned betting businesses with lawyer Willer Tomaz, who is also under investigation. Tomaz is the sole owner of Rede Loto, the company behind BestBet and two other Rio de Janeiro-licensed brands. Piauí magazine reported that Bolsonaro was a hidden partner in them.
5. The numbers around BestBet drew attention. Over almost two years, the brand took just over BRL360,000 ($67,275), less than a tenth of the BRL5 million it paid for its state licence, and it did no marketing at all. Police also say both men had top-level access to a Santander account, although both deny it; investigators point to a message from Tomaz asking the bank to remove Bolsonaro’s access.

Bolsonaro’s route out of Brazil also drew scrutiny. Argentine migration authorities said he crossed into Argentina by land on Tuesday night, then boarded the jet at Puerto Iguazú around 11.30pm with his wife and two daughters. The plane flew to Guayaquil, Ecuador, before continuing to Miami, reportedly keeping the trip out of Brazilian airspace. The Guardian cited O Globo as reporting that the escape had been prepared weeks in advance in case he lost, with his brother Eduardo as the main organiser.