In a shocking turn of events, Flamengo's attacker Bruno Henrique has been indicted by the Federal Police (PF) for fraud in a sports competition. This significant development, which occurred on Monday, April 14, 2025, follows a lengthy investigation into allegations of match-fixing and manipulation of events during soccer matches to benefit bettors.
The investigation centers on a specific incident that took place during a match against Santos on November 1, 2023. In that game, played at the Mané Garrincha stadium in Brasília, Bruno Henrique received a yellow card, his third of the tournament, resulting in an automatic suspension. The match ended with Santos defeating Flamengo 2-1, but it was the circumstances surrounding the yellow card that raised eyebrows. Shortly after the game, betting houses reported unusual activity, with a significant volume of bets predicting that Bruno would receive a card during the match.
According to the PF, Bruno allegedly provoked the yellow card deliberately to assist family members who had placed bets on that specific outcome. This led to the initiation of an investigation that has now implicated ten other individuals in the scheme.
On November 5, 2024, nearly a year after the controversial match, the PF launched Operation "Spot-fixing" in collaboration with the Special Action Group to Combat Organized Crime (Gaeco) of the Public Ministry of the Federal District. The operation executed 12 search and seizure warrants across Rio de Janeiro and four cities in Minas Gerais, including Belo Horizonte, where Bruno was born. Over 50 agents and six prosecutors participated in the action, which targeted Bruno, his brother Wander Nunes, and others connected to the allegations. Authorities seized cell phones, computers, and documents during the operation.
In the wake of the operation, Bruno Henrique publicly declared his innocence, stating, "Yes, I am innocent. I received the operation in an aggressive manner. I did not expect it to be handled this way, but I believe in the justice from above. God is someone who always knows. My life, my journey, since I started playing football. God has always been with me. And, man, I am calm about this. The people who are in this battle with me, I just ask that justice be done and to separate what happens off the field from what happens on the field." His remarks reflected his confidence in his eventual exoneration.
As the investigation progressed, the Public Ministry expressed interest in interviewing Bruno to finalize the inquiry. Prosecutors believe that he acted deliberately to receive the card, allowing family members to profit from their bets. The investigation revealed exchanges of messages between Bruno and his brother, discussing the possibility of receiving a punishment.
On April 14, 2025, the PF concluded its investigation, officially indicting Bruno for fraud in sports competition. The report has been forwarded to the Public Ministry, which will determine whether to file formal charges in court. The findings indicate that the yellow card was premeditated, and that Bruno's family had prior knowledge of his intentions.
Following the indictment, Flamengo released an official statement emphasizing that they had not been notified by any authorities regarding the allegations against Bruno. The club reiterated its commitment to fair play while upholding the principle of presumption of innocence. Their statement read: "Flamengo has not been officially informed by any public authority regarding the facts that have been reported in the media about the athlete Bruno Henrique. The Club is committed to complying with the rules of sports fair play, but equally defends the application of the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence and due process, emphasizing the importance of contradiction and broad defense, values that support the democratic state of law."
Bruno Henrique's situation has raised questions about his participation in the upcoming match against Juventude on April 16, 2025. Despite the indictment, Flamengo has not officially withdrawn him from the squad. Bruno has consistently maintained his innocence, and the club has previously stated that they trust the player and uphold the presumption of innocence. Legally, since the STJD's complaint has not been reopened, Bruno is eligible to play against Juventude.
As the situation develops, it remains uncertain how this will impact Bruno's career and Flamengo's standing in the league. The ramifications of the investigation could lead to severe penalties, including fines and suspensions. The General Sports Law outlines potential imprisonment of two to six years for altering or falsifying the results of sports competitions, while the FIFA Code of Ethics stipulates fines and bans for players involved in betting schemes.
In the wake of the allegations, the investigation has uncovered two distinct groups of bettors. One group consists of direct relatives of Bruno, including his brother, sister-in-law, and a cousin. The second group comprises six individuals with connections to football, including former players of amateur teams. Both groups placed bets on Bruno receiving a card during the match against Santos, with the PF documenting 13 separate bets made by nine different bettors.
Among the identified bets, amounts varied significantly, indicating a calculated approach to the alleged scheme. For instance, one bet of R$ 3,050 aimed to win R$ 9,150, while another bet of R$ 1,500 sought a profit of R$ 3,050. Betting houses, including Betano, have reported that they removed the option to bet on Bruno's cards upon noticing unusual betting patterns.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) had previously been alerted to suspicious betting activities surrounding Bruno's cards, prompting them to refer the matter to the PF and the STJD. The CBF received warnings from the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), which highlighted the unusual betting patterns and the timing of account creations on the eve of the match.
As the investigation unfolds, the sporting community watches closely, eager to see how this scandal will impact Bruno Henrique's future and the integrity of Brazilian football. Will this case lead to a broader examination of sports betting practices in Brazil? Only time will tell, but for now, the focus remains on the upcoming match against Juventude and the ongoing legal proceedings that could reshape the landscape of Brazilian soccer.
