JOINVILLE, Brazil — Brazilian authorities have arrested a 37-year-old woman accused of living with an unsuspecting family for more than a year while pretending to be a 12-year-old abuse victim in need of care and adoption.
According to investigators, Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira allegedly convinced members of a church community and a local family in the southern state of Santa Catarina that she was a vulnerable child who had escaped an abusive home.
The deception reportedly lasted approximately 14 months before relatives of the family became suspicious and alerted authorities.
Police say Oliveira introduced herself under a false identity and claimed to be a young girl named “Gabriele.” Investigators allege she fabricated stories of abuse and medical conditions to explain inconsistencies in her appearance and behavior.
During her time with the family, she reportedly received emotional and financial support, including assistance with medical expenses and plans for a formal adoption process.
Authorities allege that Oliveira maintained the deception by adopting childlike mannerisms and presenting herself as a traumatized minor in need of protection.
Family members reportedly believed her claims and welcomed her into their home, treating her as their daughter.
The scheme began to unravel when a relative conducted online research after becoming suspicious of certain details in Oliveira’s story. Investigators say the search uncovered reports linking her to similar incidents in other parts of Brazil.
Following her arrest, police announced that they are investigating whether comparable cases occurred in multiple Brazilian states. Media reports indicate authorities believe Oliveira may have used similar false identities and fabricated abuse narratives in several previous incidents involving families, churches, and volunteers.
The case has drawn widespread attention across Brazil because of the length of the alleged deception and the emotional impact on the family involved. Investigators have described the incident as an unusually complex fraud case involving false identity claims and extensive manipulation.
Oliveira is reportedly facing charges related to fraud and identity-related offenses. A court has also authorized a psychiatric evaluation as authorities seek to determine whether mental health issues played a role in the alleged conduct.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional victims coming forward as the case develops.
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