Brazilian influencer Emilly Kamilly Souza da Silva, better known online as the “Musa do Tigrinho” or “Tigrinho Muse,” was arrested by authorities on June 3 in Cuiabá. She had been hiding out since April and was eventually found at her mother’s house.
The 21-year-old influencer is being investigated for using social media to promote and encourage gambling. She became a target of Operation Quéfren, an effort launched by the Civil Police of Ceará on April 2, with help from police in other states. Authorities carried out search and arrest warrants across Ceará, Mato Grosso, São Paulo, and Pará.
Influenciadora “Musa do Tigrinho” é presa após dois meses foragida | HiperNotícias – Você bem informado https://t.co/pkSBvIS0Fv pic.twitter.com/1EzfLb8llJ
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One of the main targets of the operation is a popular but illegal online game called “Jogo do Tigrinho,” which has gained a lot of traction on social media.
On the same day the operation was launched, another influencer tied to the case, 20-year-old Mariany Nayara Silva Dias, was arrested in a high-end condo in Várzea Grande. She was later released by the Ceará Court of Justice and is now responding to the case while out of custody.
As the investigation unfolded, police discovered that Emilly reportedly had help avoiding capture. On April 8, two women, ages 21 and 25, were arrested in a condo in the Porto area of Cuiabá. They’re suspected of helping Emilly stay hidden. During the same operation, police also seized a Toyota Corolla Cross that was registered in Emilly’s name. The arrests happened after tips came in suggesting she was hiding in a property in downtown Cuiabá.
What is Operation Quéfren and why is it targeting this influencer over gambling?
Operation Quéfren is still ongoing. Authorities are working to track down and hold accountable other influencers and individuals who made money by promoting illegal gambling online.
Besides being a crime against the public economy, this kind of activity is also being investigated for possibly misleading consumers with promises of easy money. Emilly remains in custody, while the investigation continues to target others involved.
According to the Civil Police of Ceará, the operation started in April 2024 and focuses on uncovering a major illegal gambling scheme. Most of the people under investigation are tied to platforms that hired digital influencers to promote online casinos through social media. These influencers were paid to advertise illegal betting sites that aren’t authorized to operate in Brazil.
The investigation found signs of money laundering and fraud, and it appears the entire operation is part of a well-organized criminal network with international ties.
These influencers, many with huge followings, would post videos and pictures showing fake “wins” on online casino platforms. The goal was to lure more people into placing bets. To make things look even more convincing, they often used “demo” or test accounts that aren’t real but make it seem like they were easily making money.
The influencers were part of a network that dealt directly with platform bosses, most of whom live abroad, especially in China. The bosses also had them recruit others to help spread the word about the so-called “Jogo do Tigrinho” (Tigrinho Game).
Influencers were paid in different ways. Some got a flat fee just for posting. Others earned money based on how many new users they signed up. Some even received a cut of the total amount of bets made by people they brought in. This led to millions of reais moving through the scheme in recent years.
The platform leaders also treated influencers and agents to international trips, which the influencers showed off on social media as proof of how “successful” you could be through betting. Meanwhile, the agents behind the scenes were responsible for hiring influencers and organizing flashy launch parties to promote the platforms.
Operation Quéfren is all about taking down a high-stakes, cross-border operation that used social media and influencer marketing to push illegal gambling in Brazil.
Featured image: Canva
