Nego Di, the popular Brazilian influencer and humorist Dilson Alves da Silva Neto, is facing serious legal challenges as he has been formally accused of fraud, money laundering, the use of false documents, and the promotion of illegal lotteries. These charges stem from allegations involving his purported manipulation of online raffles, including one featuring a Porsche car valued at over R$ 500,000.
The allegations were presented by the Public Ministry of Rio Grande do Sul, which claims the illegal lottery schemes profited from over R$ 2.5 million, with Nego Di's wife, Gabriela Vicente de Sousa, also implicated for her role in the money laundering aspect of the operation. Reports indicate the supposed winner of the raffle was fictional, lending credence to the idea of widespread deception instigated by Nego Di.
According to prosecutor Flávio Duarte, the influencer orchestrated the fraud to extract monetary gains from unsuspecting participants who purchased raffle tickets under false pretenses. "He fraudulently induced people to buy tickets under the mistaken belief of winning prizes, without ever intending to award them," Duarte stated.
Investigators uncovered evidence showing Nego Di allegedly transferred the Porsche to third parties before the completion of the raffle and also purchased the ticket number designated for the winning draw. A video he shared on social media following the raffle attempt has drawn scrutiny as he attempts to contact the nonexistent winner, who fails to answer any calls. The video also features the influencer criticizing other raffle promoters for not reaching out to their 'winners,' which some claim was ironically hypocritical considering his actions.
The legal framework surrounding raffles in Brazil stipulates their organization is only permissible by entities permitted by the Ministry of Finance, with failures to comply rendering such activities illegal. Nego Di's alleged raffle operations lacked the requisite control and transparency, categorizing them as unlawful ventures.
This isn’t the first time Nego Di has found himself on the wrong side of the law. He is also facing accusations related to another fraudulent scheme involving the sale of products through his now-defunct virtual store, “Tá Di Zueira.” This scheme reportedly harmed around 370 individuals, tallying losses of approximately R$ 5 million due to undelivered products, leading to his imprisonment for over four months before being released last November.
Defending the couple, attorney Camila Kersch asserted, "The defense will prove the innocence of her clients with evidence demonstrating the legality of their assets and financial transactions. Their seized properties were acquired legitimately, ensuring their income is consistent with their lifestyle." This defense aims to address the serious charges laid before them.
The case has unleashed public outrage and heightened scrutiny on the legality of similar digital lotteries proliferated across social media platforms. Instances of fraud are on the rise, with individuals often caught unawares by the alluring prospects and generous prizes. Observers caution against the lack of regulatory oversight, advising participants to verify the legitimacy of online raffles to avoid being victimized.
Legal experts note the potential repercussions Nego Di and his wife could face, as the crimes they are charged with carry substantial penalties under Brazilian law. If convicted, the influencer could face imprisonment measures varying significantly depending on the severity ascribed to their actions. Estelionato (fraud), for example, can lead to sentences of one to five years, possibly increased due to the number of victims involved.
Presently, his reputation as a public figure is under siege, with many former sponsors withdrawing their support amid the scandal. Nego Di had previously enjoyed significant success as an online personality, but these legal troubles may see his influence wane substantially.
With the case still pending as it moves through the Brazilian justice system, many are left anxiously awaiting the outcome and the wider conversation it sparks about fraud and regulation of online raffle schemes. While the legal proceedings continue, this case serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action for reform.