In response to the growing criticism of the Brazilian gambling industry before the legal market launch on January 1, 2025, the Gambling CPI was established in November at the request of Thronicke. It aims to investigate "the growing impact of online gambling on [Brazilian household financial expenditure]."
However, a report by the Brazilian magazine Veja accused gambling industry businessmen of extortion, leading to a scandal in the CPI.
According to Veja, Senator Ciro Nogueira alerted the President of Congress, Rodrigo Pacheco, that a lobbyist from Brasília named Silvio de Assis attempted to extort industry members.
It is reported that the FP intervened in the matter, with De Assis allegedly demanding 40 million Brazilian reais (£5.2 million/€6.2 million/$6.5 million) from a gambling website owner, who was warned that he might need to testify before the CPI.
The businessman refused to pay and was subsequently summoned before the CPI. Although De Assis did not directly accuse Thronicke of involvement, she is allegedly closely associated with the lobbyist.
Thronicke strongly responded to these "rumors," calling it a "well-orchestrated campaign" aimed at diverting attention from the work of the CPI.
"Given these serious allegations, I have contacted the director of the Federal Police, fully following his arrangements," Thronicke said. "I have also requested a confrontation with the aforementioned individuals. I ask that the aforementioned congressman do the same."
The AGU may investigate the allegations against the Brazilian Gambling CPI
According to Veja, De Assis was arrested by the Federal Police in 2018 for cybercrimes related to the Ministry of Labor and has since been charged with embezzlement. The case has not yet been adjudicated.
Thronicke is committed to identifying and holding accountable those involved in obstructing the Gambling CPI and states that ensuring her mission to investigate the harms of online gambling proceeds smoothly is key.
Thronicke explained, "The Constitution guarantees our parliamentary immunity, which is crucial for us to freely exercise our powers, free from persecution and baseless defamation."
"When I am unfairly and cowardly attacked, when they try to associate me with insinuations without evidence, I will exercise this right to ensure that the truth prevails and my honor is upheld."
Following the exposure of the allegations, the vice-chairman of the CPI, Alessandro Vieira, requested that the Attorney General's Office investigate these allegations.
Vieira strongly denies his involvement in the extortion and the concerns expressed so far about the performance of the Gambling CPI.
Vieira stated, "I hope that the AGU will initiate an investigation, and if someone has done wrong, they will be severely punished."
"We cannot tolerate such things. Especially when we are investigating activities involving billions of reais (local currency), consuming healthcare resources, with clear evidence of crime, money laundering, and public agents involved."
Senator defends himself against extortion allegations
The corruption allegations involving the Gambling CPI are another blow to the soon-to-be-regulated Brazilian gambling industry, which has recently faced increasing criticism.
This has also greatly damaged the image of Brazilian politicians, with Senator Cleitinio defending his colleagues in the Senate.
"I would never do such a thing in my life. I am here to do the right thing because I can no longer stand the political class being labeled as bandits, thieves, and corrupt. We must change this situation," Cleitinio declared.
