Kleverton “Kel” Ferreti, an ex-military police officer, allegedly orchestrated the scheme. He’d built a following as a digital influencer before authorities caught up with him.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office of Alagoas identified Ferreti as the operation’s leader. He promoted himself as a “digital entrepreneur” while running manipulated raffles.
Influencer Laís Oliveira also faces scrutiny. She’s got over five million followers. Between January and April 2024, Oliveira received nearly BR1m from one of Ferreti’s companies, according to investigators.
Her husband was named in the probe too. Multiple digital creators benefited from the network.
Why This Fraud Worked So Well
Ferreti used his social media presence to legitimize the operation. Participants trusted him.
But the raffles weren’t real. Winning tickets were preselected, so legitimate buyers had zero chance of winning anything. Authorities say the network generated over BR33m ($5.7m) through these fake draws.
Ferreti flaunted luxury cars and international trips online. He claimed his wealth came from “digital entrepreneurship” and sold courses on “how to profit from online betting.”
He reportedly told followers that “people stay poor because they want to.” Bold words for someone running a fraud scheme.
Investigators estimate Ferreti made BR400,000 in a single month from illegal raffles and unregulated courses alone.
What Authorities Uncovered
The investigation exposed systematic deception. Every raffle was rigged from the start, with winners predetermined by the network.
Ferreti was expelled from the military police in 2023 after violating electoral law. Same year, he was arrested during an operation targeting the scheme.
Police seized jewelry, cash and multiple phones during the raid.
There’s more. Ferreti is currently serving an eight-year sentence for rape. One victim was actually a defrauded raffle participant.
How the Case Stands Now
Despite the charges, Ferreti remains active online. He’s legally permitted to use social media and visit public spaces.
His defense argues he doesn’t own any betting platforms. They say he only provided advertising services.
But prosecutors see it differently. They’ve documented the flow of millions through his network and identified the manipulated raffle system.
The case highlights Brazil’s ongoing challenges with unregulated online gambling and digital fraud. The investigation continues. Other influencers profited from the network too, receiving hundreds of thousands from the operation.
Ferreti’s continued online presence raises questions about enforcement gaps. He still posts content while facing serious criminal charges and serving prison time.
