A 46-year-old digital influencer known as Lene Modas is under criminal investigation in Brazil’s Bahia state. She’s got over 100,000 followers online.
The national civil police targeted her with two search and seizure warrants in Vitória da Conquista, a city in the state’s southwest. They executed the warrants at her high-end home and her clothing store in the city centre.
The woman isn’t formally charged yet. Police haven’t released her full name, and her legal team hasn’t responded to requests for comment.
Why Police Suspect an Illegal Betting Front
Investigators believe the influencer ran illegal raffles and online prize draws through her social media accounts. She supposedly promoted these games as legitimate giveaways for her fashion business.
But police think differently. The clothing store is suspected of being a front to launder money from illegal gambling activities.
According to police sources, she used her large following to pull in participants while disguising the operation as promotional contests. The setup allegedly masked what was actually an unregulated betting scheme that violated Brazil’s gambling laws.
What Authorities Seized During Raids
Police collected digital evidence during the operation. They seized four mobile phones, two computers and one tablet from the locations. All the devices are believed to contain evidence linked to the alleged scheme.
The court went further. It ordered the freezing of the influencer’s bank accounts, investment portfolios and other assets while the investigation continues.
Authorities haven’t revealed how much money might be involved. The investigation remains active as police analyse the seized devices for additional evidence.
How This Fits Brazil’s Gambling Crackdown
This case is part of a broader effort by Bahia authorities to crack down on unregulated gambling networks operating in the state. Similar cases have already been linked to online raffles and digital betting scams across the region.
The operation shows how illegal gambling operators try to hide behind legitimate-looking businesses and social media promotions. Fashion influencers with large followings can attract participants without raising immediate red flags.
Brazil’s gambling regulations remain strict, though the country is working through potential reforms to its betting framework. Until changes happen, operations like these raffles remain illegal regardless of how they’re marketed online.
The case highlights growing concerns about social media platforms being used to promote unregulated gambling. Authorities continue monitoring similar operations across Brazil’s northeast region.
