Diego Costa allegedly at the centre of a betting scandal in Brazil

Atletico Mineiro striker Diego Costa has been allegedly involved in a betting scandal in Brazil. While the police have not officially named the player, they believe that a footballer is at the centre of the scandal and have identified a footballer as a prime suspect in the investigation. 

The Brazilian police have already seized £1.7 million in cash from the investigation procedure. The detectives involved have gone public with their information about the case, saying that they are dealing with a case whose scope is money laundering and foreign exchange fraud involving online betting site Esportenet.

Sergipe State Police said in a statement: ‘On Wednesday morning Sergipe State Police launched the second phase of an operation codenamed “Distraction” with the aim of obtaining evidence for an investigation into the alleged practices of exploitation of gambling, money laundering, foreign currency exchange and criminal association involving the ESPORTENET betting site, its owners, financial operators and financier.

‘In the first phase of the operation, which began on March 3 this year, documents and electronic equipment were seized that allowed the investigation to be deepened and the amount of R$13,129,217.00 – Brazilian real – (£1.77million) in cash was seized.

‘Based on the evidence collected, it was possible to identify other betting platforms used by the group and individual companies and legal entities for alleged money laundering and foreign exchange fraud. 

‘The participation of money changers that help the criminal organisation to allegedly commit foreign exchange fraud was verified, as well as the participation of a football player.

‘At this stage, the investigation is focused on the foreign exchange fraud, with specific focus on the money changers and the betting site’s financier.’ 

Atletico Mineiro have released a statement saying that they will offer Diego Costa help if he needs it as part of the allegations. They have also said that the reports so far do not concern the club, and will find out all that is necessary in the process.