The former Grêmio youth player Lucas de Oliveira Eduardo, 29 years old, was preventively arrested on Wednesday in Rio de Janeiro during Operation Falso 9. The arrest was carried out by the 4th Police Delegation of Porto Alegre, with support from the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro. Search warrants were also served in the state, including in Itaperuna.
According to the Civil Police, he is under investigation for being part of a criminal group that created fake profiles on messaging apps to impersonate people close to victims and apply electronic scams. Lucas is under investigation for the crimes of fraud through electronic means and false identity.
One of the cases under investigation involves Colombian striker José Enamorado, who allegedly transferred R$22,000 after believing he was talking to Grêmio's coach, Luís Castro. The player was deceived by the fake profile created by the group.
The operation was named "Falso 9" in reference to the scam applied in sports, where players position themselves falsely as forwards to deceive the opposing defense. The scheme used the same strategy, creating false identities to deceive athletes and obtain financial transfers.
