Flamengo star under betting probe as brother named in scandal | OneFootball

Bruno Henrique, Flamengo’s forward, virtually appeared before the Superior Sports Court of Justice (STJD) on Thursday to provide testimony in the ongoing inquiry into alleged match manipulation linked to sports betting. The investigation centers on suspicions that Henrique intentionally picked up a yellow card during a 2023 fixture, allegedly to benefit specific bettors, including his own brother.

The session, which had been rescheduled after Henrique’s original absence due to club training, represents the latest step before the STJD closes its probe, with a completion deadline set for next week. For now, he remains available for Flamengo duties, as the tribunal has not imposed a preventive suspension.

The STJD’s inquiry draws heavily from evidence provided by the Federal Police, who uncovered digital conversations from Henrique’s brother, Wander Nunes Pinto Junior, that implicate the player in the alleged plot. Also named in the investigation are Wander’s wife, Ludymilla Araújo Lima, and Henrique’s cousin, Poliana Ester Nunes Cardoso—all of whom reportedly placed related bets. Additionally, investigators have identified a second group of bettors, described as friends of Wander.

Henrique faces potential charges under Article 200 of Brazil’s General Sports Law, which covers attempts to manipulate the outcome of sporting events; a conviction carries a two- to six-year prison sentence. He is also under scrutiny for potential fraud, an offense punishable by one to five years in prison.

While the STJD finalizes its report and prepares to determine whether to bring official charges or dismiss the case, the Federal Police’s findings have also been forwarded to the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the Federal District. It will ultimately fall to prosecutors to decide whether formal criminal charges—potentially making Henrique a defendant in criminal court—will proceed.

Henrique’s defense has responded by petitioning for the dismissal of the investigation, arguing that only the Federal Court in the Federal District, and not state authorities, have jurisdiction over the matter. The legal team is seeking to nullify all decisions made by the state court so far and to remove any evidence gathered under its authorization from the case files. They have also filed for habeas corpus at the appellate level in support of these jurisdictional claims.

For now, the uncertainty lingers over both the sports and legal processes. The coming days are expected to clarify whether the inquiry results in formal disciplinary action or is set aside altogether. Should the legal proceedings escalate, Bruno Henrique may soon add criminal court appearances to his commitments on the pitch.

Source: Globo, Lance