Full Breakdown
Police Seize Devices in Brazil Over Alleged iFood Data Theft
By Drooid · · How we work
Background: Intensifying Competition in Brazil’s Delivery Market
Brazil’s food-delivery sector, worth roughly $20 billion in orders last year, has become a battleground for domestic and foreign players. iFood, owned by Dutch investment group Prosus, controls about 80 % of the market, according to the industry association Abrasel. New entrants include Keeta, backed by China’s Meituan, and 99Food, the delivery arm of ride-hailing firm DiDi Global. iFood has repeatedly warned that rivals are attempting to obtain its confidential commercial information, while the competitors deny the accusations.
Details of the Search Operation
On September 18, police in Rio de Janeiro executed a search-and-seizure operation targeting a former strategic-sales executive of iFood. Police inspector Angelo Lages said the individual resigned in 2025 after notifying iFood of his move to 99Food and that an internal review later flagged downloads of strategic files shortly before his departure. Investigators seized electronic devices for forensic analysis and are also checking whether other persons or companies accessed the data. The suspect told officers he no longer works for 99Food and is operating as an independent consultant.
Official Responses
iFood confirmed that it filed a complaint prompting the police action and is pursuing legal measures to protect its data and business partners. The company said the operation resulted from its allegation that the former employee stole “strategic and confidential commercial information.” 99Food stated that it takes such reports seriously, does not tolerate the use of illegally obtained data, and that the individual targeted is not part of its workforce.
Implications for the Delivery Industry
Analysts note that merchant-level data—such as sales volumes, customer locations, and discount responsiveness—can enable rivals to fine-tune sales strategies and reduce customer-acquisition costs. If the alleged theft is substantiated, tighter data-access controls and legal disputes could increase operational friction for iFood and raise the cost pressures on challengers like 99Food and Keeta. The probe unfolds alongside ongoing antitrust investigations by Brazil’s regulator Cade, which has been asked to examine the expansion tactics of the newer platforms.
