A former Congressman in Brazil, Roberto Razuk, and several family members are now in custody, the latest escalation in a sweeping regional crackdown on illegal gambling. The arrests signal a determined effort to dismantle a network suspected of controlling substantial illicit betting operations within the country.
The operation, dubbed “Successione” by authorities, involved the execution of twenty arrest warrants and twenty-seven search-and-seizure warrants across key locations. Investigators targeted individuals and properties believed to be central to the ongoing illegal gambling activities, meticulously gathering evidence.
Brazilian authorities recovered a significant amount of cash – R$300,000 (approximately US$60,000) – alongside a cache of firearms and numerous illegal gambling machines. These “Máquinas de apostas,” as they are known locally, represent the tangible tools of the alleged criminal enterprise.
Mato Grosso do Sul, a Brazilian state bordering Bolivia and Paraguay, has become a focal point for this intensified law enforcement effort. The region is strategically positioned, making it vulnerable to cross-border criminal activity and necessitating a robust response.
The scale of the operation was considerable, deploying specialized units including the Shock Battalion, BOPE (Special Operations Battalion), Internal Affairs, and the Tactical Force. This demonstrated a commitment to overwhelming the suspected criminal network with coordinated force.
Razuk’s history is marked by a complex trajectory, transitioning from businessman and state deputy in the early 1980s to a figure embroiled in allegations of controlling illegal gambling. His family’s ambition reportedly centered on gaining control of the notorious “jogo do bicho” lottery.
This recent action follows a previous investigation, “Operation Omerta,” where the Razuk family faced intense scrutiny from the GAECO (Special Action Group for Combating Organized Crime) regarding a series of questionable business dealings. The name itself, Italian for “code of silence,” hinted at the challenges investigators faced.
Alongside the former Congressman, his sons Rafael and Jorge, and the family’s legal counsel were also taken into custody. The coordinated arrests represent a significant blow to the alleged criminal organization and its leadership.
The recovery of a Taurus TCP handgun during the operation underscores the potential for violence associated with the illegal gambling network. Authorities are meticulously examining all seized evidence to build a comprehensive case.
The operation is focused on areas including Campo Grande, Corumbá, Dourados, Maracaju and Ponta Porã, signaling a broad effort to disrupt illegal gambling throughout Mato Grosso do Sul. Law enforcement intends to maintain sustained pressure on these activities.
