Brazil's government will intensify its crackdown on illegal betting operators and use seized funds to support public security initiatives, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Friday.
"We will fight every illegal bet in this country with every possible means," Lula said while signing a decree introducing the new measures.
The move comes amid particularly high betting volumes during the men's football World Cup being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Under the new rules, authorities will be able to freeze assets belonging to operators of illegal online betting platforms. If wrongdoing is confirmed through administrative and judicial proceedings, the funds will be transferred to Brazil's National Public Security Fund.
According to the government, the money will be used in part to combat organized crime.
The announcement came a day after authorities launched Operation "Conto da Sorte" ("Lucky Ticket"), targeting an alleged network of illegal betting operators.
The investigation includes allegations of money laundering, illegal gambling and participation in a criminal organization, according to news portal G1, citing investigators.
