A Brazil woman impersonates a 12-year-old girl in a bizarre fraud case that has shocked many people across the country.
Police in Santa Catarina, Brazil, say a 37-year-old woman allegedly pretended to be a young girl for more than a year. Authorities claim she created a false identity and convinced a local family that she was an abused child who needed protection and care.
Investigators identified the suspect as Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira. According to police, she introduced herself as “Gabriela,” a 12-year-old autistic girl who had escaped from an abusive home in Pará State.
The alleged scheme began when Amanda reportedly gained the trust of a local church pastor. She told members of the congregation that she needed help and support. As a result, church members provided financial assistance and eventually connected her with a family willing to care for her.
To maintain the deception, police say Amanda adopted childlike behaviour. She reportedly drank milk from a baby bottle, used a pacifier, spoke in a high-pitched voice and requested a comfort blanket at bedtime. She also allegedly staged night terrors to strengthen the family’s belief that she was a vulnerable child.
The family accepted her story and welcomed her into their home. They celebrated what they believed was her 12th birthday, paid for medical treatment and even started making plans to legally adopt her.
However, suspicions grew among people close to the family. One concerned relative reportedly contacted authorities and requested an investigation into the girl’s background.
During the investigation, police discovered that the supposed 12-year-old was actually a 37-year-old woman. Authorities also found evidence suggesting that she had used similar false identities in other parts of Brazil.
Investigators claim Amanda had previously posed as minors in different states and relied on the sympathy of families and community groups.
Following her arrest, she was charged with fraud and identity theft. She was later transferred to prison in Joinville.
Her lawyer has requested a psychiatric evaluation. The defence argues that mental health issues may have influenced her behaviour and should be considered during legal proceedings.
The unusual case has attracted widespread attention online. Many people have expressed disbelief that the deception lasted for 14 months before being uncovered by authorities.