The betting industry in Brazil has recently faced mounting criticism as the country prepares to open its legal market by January 1, 2025. Responding to these concerns, the betting CPI (Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry) was initiated in November at Thronicke’s request. Its primary objective is to examine the impact that online gambling has on the financial habits of Brazilian families.
However, on December 13, the CPI stumbled into controversy when the Brazilian magazine Veja published reports alleging extortion connected to industry executives. The magazine revealed that Senator Ciro Nogueira warned Congress President Rodrigo Pacheco about a lobbyist from Brasília, named Silvio de Assis, who was allegedly attempting to blackmail gambling industry figures.
Reports indicate that De Assis attempted to extort BRL40 million (approximately £5.2 million/€6.2 million/$6.5 million) from the owner of a betting website, threatening them with a summons to testify before the CPI if they refused to pay. The businessman did not comply and was subsequently summoned. Although De Assis did not directly implicate Thronicke, she is rumored to have a “close relationship” with him.
In response to these allegations, Thronicke has vocally dismissed them as mere “gossip,” describing them as a deliberate attempt to sidetrack the ongoing investigations of the CPI. She emphasized her commitment by contacting the director general of the federal police and offering her full cooperation. Thronicke has also called for those implicated to come forward.
### AGU May Probe Allegations Involving the Brazil Betting CPI
According to Veja, De Assis has faced previous corruption charges related to a network involving the Ministry of Labour, although that case remains unresolved. Thronicke remains focused on identifying and holding accountable those attempting to disrupt the CPI, as she aims to ensure that the inquiry into the negative aspects of online gambling continues unimpeded.
Thronicke has stressed that parliamentary immunity is crucial for performing duties without fear of baseless persecution or slander. She expressed her determination to protect her integrity when unfairly targeted.
Following the allegations, CPI Vice President Alessandro Vieira requested that the attorney general investigate the claims. Vieira firmly denied any involvement in the extortion allegations and defended the CPI’s progress.
“I hope the Attorney General opens an inquiry and takes severe action against any wrongdoing,” Vieira insisted. “We cannot allow such behavior, especially when investigating an industry involving billions of reais, affecting healthcare funding, and bearing signs of criminal activity, money laundering, and public officials’ involvement.”
### Senators Address Extortion Allegations
The corruption allegations surrounding the betting CPI are yet another challenge for Brazil’s soon-to-be-regulated gambling sector, which has been facing increasing scrutiny. The accusations also pose a significant threat to the reputation of Brazilian politicians. Senator Cleitinho recently addressed the Senate on December 17 to defend his fellow lawmakers.
“I would never engage in such actions,” Cleitinho asserted passionately. “I entered politics to uphold integrity. I can no longer tolerate the political class being tarnished as criminals or corrupt. We must change this perception,” Cleitinho exclaimed.