Rio police seize $1.6 mn in gambling funds

Rio police seized ê1.6 million Tuesday from a samba school leader suspected of running an illegal lottery, hauling away a stash of 50- and 100-reais bills in a shopping cart.

Police said the money -- three million reais -- belonged to Helinho de Oliveira, the head of the Uniao da Ilha samba school, one of twelve that participate in the annual Rio de Janeiro Carnival.

Golden replicas of weapons and jewelry were also seized in the raid on a luxurious house in the western borough of Barra da Tijuca.

Police pushed a shopping cart filled to the brim with bank bills that they found stashed behind the refrigerator, under the roof and in the bathrooms of a house belonging to Oliveira's uncle. Money was even found in nearby sewers.

Oliveira, who is suspected of running an illegal lottery, is at large but five other people were arrested in the operation.

Another alleged gaming boss, Aniz Abraao David, who funds the prestigious Beija Flor samba school, is also sought by police. He is believed to have ties to the Jogo do Bicho ("animal game") illegal gambling game.

Police have already arrested 44 people in a crackdown on illegal gambling code-named "Dedo de Deus" ("God's Finger.")

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