Comisión Nacional de Juegos de Azar launched a major enforcement operation against illegal gambling in Paraguay after coordinating simultaneous raids in the Amambay department targeting venues allegedly operating sports betting and gambling activities without official authorization. The operations were carried out on May 19, 2026, between 3:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. by the Economic and Financial Crimes Division of the Paraguayan National Police, led by commissioner Jorge Daniel Escobar, in coordination with the Public Prosecutor’s Office headed by Attorney General Emiliano Rolón Fernández, and the Dirección Nacional de Ingresos Tributarios directed in 2026 by Óscar Alcides Orué.
During the raids, authorities seized computers, mobile phones, electronic devices and materials allegedly used to operate clandestine betting systems in Paraguay’s northern border region. Investigators determined that the targeted venues were allegedly operating without licenses or permits issued by Conajzar.
Attorney General Emiliano Rolón Fernández
The investigation is based on Law No. 1016/1997, Paraguay’s main gambling framework, which classifies any gambling activity operating without authorization as illegal. The legislation empowers regulators to impose preventive closures, confiscate equipment and pursue judicial action against unauthorized operators. In addition, the recently approved Law No. 7438/2025 strengthened enforcement powers by integrating Conajzar under the tax authority structure and expanding tools against illegal gambling and tax evasion.
Carlos Fernández Valdovinos
The regulator currently operates under the structure of the National Directorate of Tax Revenue while the Ministry of Economy and Finance is headed in 2026 by Carlos Fernández Valdovinos under the administration of President Santiago Peña. Conajzar’s interim presidency is currently held by Roxana Carolina del Río Villalba following the temporary departure of Carlos Liseras to the Senate.
The operation reinforces Paraguay’s strategy to protect licensed operators, fiscal revenue and financial traceability in a market where sports betting and underground gambling platforms have expanded rapidly in recent years. Authorities are now expected to intensify inspections, seizures, digital monitoring and interagency enforcement actions across the Paraguayan gaming sector.
