Extortion complaint by ex-footballer sparks probe into clandestine gambling in Rosario

An unauthorized online gambling platform known as "Lexus," based in Rosario, Argentina, has become the focus of a criminal investigation after a former footballer filed a complaint detailing extortion, death threats, and intimidation. The platform allegedly allows professional footballers to accumulate substantial debts in U.S. dollars by selling "credits" or "coins" for virtual betting.

The case has opened both civil and criminal fronts. This week, the investigation intensified with the arrest of Fausto Carbajo, identified as a "cashier" for the organization. Carbajo was apprehended in Granadero Baigorria in a vehicle containing a firearm. Notably, Matías Belloso, the son of Rosario Central's president, Gonzalo Belloso, was traveling with Carbajo at the time of the arrest.

Jonatan David Gómez, a professional footballer who played for Rosario Central's youth academy and most recently Sarmiento de Junín, filed the criminal complaint against Agustín Censi and Gaspar Zayas. Gómez alleges they engaged in extortion, attempted fraud, and violated gambling laws. According to the complaint, Censi operated the unauthorized online casino "Lexus," whose domain name frequently changed to evade detection.

Gómez reported starting to play on the platform about a year ago after being contacted by Gaspar Zayas, who acted as a "cashier" or "seller of physical credit." The system involved assigning Gómez a user ID and password to bet on roulette, poker, and blackjack, with payment made through cash, transfers, or checks. By mid-2025, Gómez's debt had reached $50,000. His account details the escalation of threats, including demands to sell his and his mother's homes, and physical visits. In August 2025, Zayas allegedly appeared at Sarmiento de Junín's training ground and threatened Gómez in front of his teammates. The threats later extended to Gómez's parents' home in Capitán Bermúdez, involving banging on the door and shouting. On October 29, 2025, Gómez claims Zayas and another individual forced him to sign four promissory notes totaling $505,000, ten times his original debt, at a notary's office, while allegedly stating that "Los Monos were above everything" and threatening his children's lives.