Key facts
- Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira, 38, was arrested in Santa Catarina, Brazil.
- She is accused of fraud and false identity offenses for posing as a 12-year-old girl.
- Oliveira allegedly deceived a couple who housed her for nearly 16 months.
- She claimed to be 18 upon arrival, then changed her story to being 11 and having been abused.
- The deception was uncovered by a visiting aunt who found similar past cases involving Oliveira.
- Proceedings have been suspended pending a psychiatric evaluation of Oliveira.
A 38-year-old Brazilian woman, Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira, has been arrested in the southern state of Santa Catarina, accused of orchestrating elaborate fraud schemes by posing as a child. She faces charges of fraud and false identity offenses.
For nearly 16 months, Oliveira allegedly lived with a couple in Joinville, who provided her with accommodation, paid all her expenses, and decorated her room with children's furnishings. She reportedly celebrated a party for her supposed 12th birthday.
The deception began when Oliveira, introducing herself as 'Gabrielle' and claiming to be 18, approached the couple at an evangelical church. She stated she was facing financial and health difficulties, prompting the couple to take her in. She later altered her story, claiming to be 11 and alleging abuse by her father, convincing the family not to enroll her in school or pursue formal adoption to avoid detection.
The scheme unraveled when a visiting aunt grew suspicious of Oliveira's age. Online research by the aunt revealed similar past cases involving Oliveira in Rio de Janeiro, leading the couple to contact the police. Oliveira was arrested on June 2.
Police stated Oliveira admitted to lying to obtain financial support. She reportedly moved to new locations when her deceptions were close to being discovered, but in this instance, she was arrested before she could leave. Videos and photographs shared by other alleged victims depict Oliveira using dummies and speaking in a childlike manner.
Evidence suggests similar schemes date back to the late 2000s in Ceará, where Oliveira, then in her twenties, allegedly claimed to be 12 and a victim of abuse. The case did not proceed after she was admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
Oliveira's appointed lawyer has requested a psychiatric evaluation, which a judge has granted. Court proceedings are suspended until her capacity to stand trial is determined. She remains in custody.