The Federal District Court upheld the decision making Flamengo forward Bruno Henrique a defendant in a fraud case after rejecting the Rubro-Negro athlete’s defense appeal.
The legal entanglement involving Flamengo’s number 27 has gained a new chapter. The TJDFT (Court of Justice of the Federal District and Territories) denied Bruno Henrique’s defense team’s request to dismiss the fraud charge. The case stems from the match between Flamengo and Santos, part of the 2023 Campeonato Brasileiro (Brazilian Serie A), held in Brasília.
The player is accused of intentionally forcing a yellow card during the match to benefit sports betting schemes. The decision by appellate judge Jair Soares reinforces the understanding that the indictment has solid grounds to proceed in the criminal sphere.
Defense’s Argumentation and Judicial Decision
Bruno Henrique’s lawyers sought to invalidate the proceedings, arguing that the betting companies, identified as the prejudiced parties, did not file formal complaints against the player. The strategy was to disqualify the action due to the lack of direct complaints from the alleged victims.
However, the magistrate was clear in refuting the claim, pointing out that the interest in criminal prosecution was evident.
“The representation for crimes of conditional public criminal action does not require specific formality; demonstrating the victim’s unequivocal interest in criminal prosecution is sufficient, the assessment of which, in a special appeal, cannot require a review of evidence, under penalty of violating Precedent No. 7/STJ,” stated the appellate judge in his ruling.
Impacts of the Case and Next Steps
In addition to the Rubro-Negro idol, eight other individuals, including the athlete’s brother, Wander Nunes Pinto Júnior, and sister-in-law, Ludymilla Araújo Lima, remain defendants. If convicted, those involved could face prison sentences ranging from one to five years.
It is worth noting that, in the sporting realm, the STJD (Superior Sports Justice Court) had already closed its investigations in November 2025, imposing only a R$100,000 fine on the player.
Currently, Bruno Henrique remains available to the coaching staff and has had his contract with the Rio club renewed until the end of 2027. The development of the judicial process continues to be a point of attention for the forward’s career, as he continues to defend the colors of Mais Querido amidst national and international competitions.
