Target of operation against 'animal gambling' is shot dead in Sinop - Brazil

Jun 14, 2025
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A security camera captured the moment Mariano Oliveira da Silva, 50, was fatally shot inside a cell phone store in the Jardim das Primaveras neighborhood of Sinop, approximately 478 km from Cuiabá, on the evening of Tuesday, June 10.
In 2019, Mariano was a target of Operation Mantus, an initiative aimed at dismantling the “jogo do bicho” (illegal animal betting) network in the state. During that operation, three suspects were arrested by the Military Police.
An inspection of Mariano’s vehicle uncovered several “animal game” cards. The Military Police later located and arrested three individuals linked to the crime near the junction of a highway connecting the municipalities of Lucas do Rio Verde and Tapurah. One of the suspects was found to have an outstanding arrest warrant.
Mariano’s body was transferred to the Forensic Medical Institute (IML) for an autopsy. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.