Rio Grande do Sul prosecutors raid former Grêmio sponsor over alleged illegal raffles | OneFootball

Rio Grande do Sul prosecutors carried out raids on Friday in an inquiry into a former Grêmio sponsor and alleged illegal electronic raffles.

Prosecutors did not name the firm, but according to Globo.com it is Pix das Estrelas, a virtual raffle platform that partnered with Grêmio last year before the deal ended.

Operation Estrela Cadente, backed by São Paulo prosecutors, executed searches in São Paulo, Santo André and São Caetano do Sul at residential and operational addresses.

Investigators say quotas or e-books were sold with promises of cash and goods, and campaigns ran with clubs nationwide, citing Grêmio and Avaí, whose deals have since ended.

Prosecutors Flávio Duarte and Maristela Schneider said sponsorships lent a veneer of legality, including links with organised supporter groups, and that draws were disguised as raffles.

Computers, phones, electronic media, documents, contracts and financial records were seized, and possible third party involvement in money laundering will be examined.

Grêmio ended the Pix das Estrelas deal soon after launch. The logo had appeared on the shirt chest and an August agreement worth at least R$ six million per year was wound down in October.

The break followed the Movimento Imortal campaign in early September. Fans were urged to buy e-books priced R$ 14.90 to R$ 39.90 to enter a R$ 300,000 draw and back a signing before midnight on two September, but no signing was announced. Club and sponsor later apologised, and refunds were pledged.

Source: Globo.com