According to police sources, the footballer is being investigated for forcing yellow cards to benefit bettors
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Bruno Henrique, Flamengo forward, is being investigated by the police due to alleged involvement in a sports betting manipulation scheme. It all started after receiving a yellow card in the match against Santos, played in November 2023 for the Brasileirao.
The Brazilian Federal Police filed charges against the footballer, alleging that he deliberately provoked bookings to favor certain bettors. Suspicions increased when the participation of the player's direct family members in the bets was detected.
Bruno Enrique está acusado de participar en una t
In August 2024, users of three different betting platforms reported irregular behaviors linked to Bruno Henrique's actions. This prompted the start of a formal investigation by the police.
The focus intensified when it was revealed that, in one of the betting houses, 98% of the forecasts on yellow cards pointed to him, while in another the percentage was 95%. A striking anomaly considering he is a forward without significant disciplinary records.
The yellow card for which Bruno Henrique is being investigated
The Justice is keeping the footballer and his family under observation. As evidence, screenshots of WhatsApp conversations between the player and his brother were presented, showing that Bruno informed him of his intention to receive a booking during the match against Santos so he could bet accordingly.
The chats that compromise Bruno Henrique and his family
Bruno Henrique and his brother, Wander Nunes Pinto Júnior, were accused of violating article 200 of the Brazilian General Sports Law, with penalties ranging from two to six years in prison. Additionally, they face charges of fraud, which could lead to between one and five years behind bars. Other family members, along with six associates of Wander, have also been implicated.
Despite the seriousness of the case, Flamengo defended the player, who continues training and participating in team activities. The club expressed its intention to cooperate with the authorities during the process.
The case was initially brought to the Superior Court of Sports Justice in August 2024. However, the body decided to archive it, as there were not enough elements to carry out a formal investigation. The prosecution also expressed this view, arguing that no direct economic benefit for the player was evidenced.
During the investigation, police officers visited the forward several times, even at Flamengo's facilities, where his mobile phone was seized. After winning the 2024 Copa do Brasil, Bruno Henrique spoke publicly about the matter and denied any involvement:
"My life and my career, since I started playing football, have never been easy. But God has always been with me. I am calm about this, as are my lawyers, agents, and the people who are in this battle with me. I ask for justice to be done".
Flamengo issued a statement regarding the accusation against Bruno Henrique
The Carioca club commented on the scandal involving the striker. "Flamengo has not been officially notified by any public authority about the facts reported by the press regarding the athlete Bruno Henrique", the statement began.
"The Club is committed to upholding the rules of fair play in sports, but also defends the application of the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence and due process, with emphasis on the adversarial procedure and full defense, values that support the democratic rule of law", the Rio de Janeiro institution stated.
