Two influencers, suspected of fraudulently promoting an online casino game in Brazil, were recently arrested by law enforcement. That is the case of Ianka Cristini and Bruno Martins, influencers with more than 15 million followers on social media who were accused of using a demo version of a popular online gambling game as a way to promote it and benefit from the commission on losses by users they referred to the game.

Jogo Do Tigrinho Fraud Results in the Arrest of Three

Local media reports confirm that the couple was arrested on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. The two were detained after coordinated efforts of the Public Ministry of Santa Catarina (MPSC) and Gaeco, the Special Task Force to Combat Organized Crime. Allegedly, the two influencers promoted a gambling game called Fortune Tiger, which is popular in Brazil as Jogo do Tigrinho.

Cristini and Martins are accused of fraud related to the popular casino games with allegations claiming that they used a demo version of the game. Investigators allege that the couple made huge profits by misleading their audiences that the game could bring exceptional wins. The promotion of the demo version of the game, per prosecutors, gave the influencers an unfair advantage.

Besides Cristini and Martins, an advisor of Cristini was also detained earlier this week. Following the arrests, law enforcement restricted access to luxury houses and apartments owned by the two. In addition, the authorities blocked access to the influencers’ social media accounts, seized financial assets and luxury cars, including an armored Cadillac Escalade, a McLaren 720 Spider and two BMWs.

Upon confirming the arrest of the influencers, the Public Ministry of Santa Catarina released a detailed guide for individuals who had become victims of the alleged fraudulent actions. People affected by potential fraud related to Jogo do Tigrinho are encouraged to provide information such as financial documents proving losses, describe their case and most importantly, note whether they wish to file a legal claim.

Cristini’s career reportedly started during the COVID-19 pandemic. She claimed that early in 2020, she lost her job and started posting videos online telling her story. What started likely as a casual “telling your story online” turned into a business that in 2021 helped Cristini buy her first car and even make significant home improvements.

The same year she met her husband Martins. While initially, Cristini was posting videos of her life and claimed she sold sweets, at some point, together with her husband, she started to organize raffles, offering a range of different prizes, including merch and in some cases even cash.

Leveraging their popularity, Cristini and Martins reportedly helped promote Jogo do Tigrinho. Cristini self-described herself as a multimillionaire and on social media she demonstrates a lavish lifestyle. Together with her husband, she is facing charges of money laundering, organized crime and fraud.