‘Good Night, Cinderella’ scam steals R$110,000 from British tourists in Ipanema

Two British university students fell victim to a scam known as “Good Night, Cinderella” in the early hours of Thursday, August 7, 2025, in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro’s South Zone. After meeting three women at a samba event in Lapa, the young men were drugged, lost consciousness, and suffered losses estimated at R$110,000, including the theft of two cell phones and a bank transfer of 16,000 pounds. The Civil Police, through the Tourist Assistance Precinct (Deat), identified the suspects, who have criminal records, and are intensifying efforts to locate them. The case, recorded on Ipanema Beach, went viral on social media with footage of one victim collapsing on the sand. The crime raises alerts about safety in the city’s tourist areas.

The victims, both 21 years old, told police the encounter began at a lively event in Lapa, a central Rio area known for its vibrant nightlife. After accepting caipirinhas offered by the suspects, the young men have no memory of what happened next. They were found disoriented on Ipanema Beach, rescued by passersby, and taken to the Copacabana Emergency Care Unit (UPA).

• The scam resulted in the theft of two cell phones, an iPhone 16 and an iPhone 14.
• A bank transfer of 16,000 pounds was made using one of the devices.
• The suspects fled by taxi, leaving the victims unconscious.
• The Civil Police identified the taxi driver, who is not involved in the crime.

Scam’s modus operandi

Investigations reveal that the “Good Night, Cinderella” scam follows a recurring pattern in Rio de Janeiro. The suspects, identified as Amanda Couto Deloca, 23, Mayara Ketelyn Américo da Silva, 26, and Raiane Campos de Oliveira, 27, approach victims in tourist areas, offer drinks laced with sedatives, and, after the victims lose consciousness, steal belongings and make financial transactions. Deat’s lead officer, Patrícia Alemany, highlighted the severity of the crime, which often leads to victims’ hospitalization.

The repeated method in areas like Lapa, Pedra do Sal, Copacabana, and Ipanema points to a planned operation. The women, according to police, operate in pairs or trios, taking advantage of victims’ distraction in festive settings. Raiane Campos de Oliveira, a key suspect, has 20 prior arrests for similar crimes.

Suspects’ criminal history

Raiane Campos de Oliveira, a resident of Complexo do Chapadão in the North Zone, is well-known to authorities. In 2023, she was sentenced to six years in semi-open prison for drugging and robbing a British tourist at Pedra do Sal. However, the 8th Criminal Chamber acquitted her in July 2025 due to insufficient evidence. The ruling allowed her to return to the streets, where, according to Deat, she resumed criminal activities.

The other two suspects, Amanda and Mayara, also have police records, though less extensive. Authorities believe the trio operates in a coordinated manner, targeting victims in popular areas and exploiting the vulnerability of foreign tourists. Investigations include analyzing security footage and witness statements to track the women’s movements after the crime.

• Raiane was imprisoned for six months in 2024 for a similar crime.
• Her 2025 acquittal allowed her to return to the streets.
• Amanda and Mayara also have records for scams in tourist areas.
• The suspects reside in Complexo do Chapadão, per police reports.

Warning for tourists and locals

The Civil Police reinforce the need for prevention against the “Good Night, Cinderella” scam. Areas like Lapa, Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and Pedra do Sal are frequent targets for scammers. Officer Patrícia Alemany advises tourists and locals to avoid accepting drinks from strangers and to stay alert to suspicious approaches.

Foreign tourists are particularly vulnerable due to their unfamiliarity with local dynamics. In 2024, Deat recorded dozens of similar cases, with losses ranging from minor thefts to large sums, as in the case of the British tourists. Police urge victims to report incidents immediately to aid in identifying perpetrators.

Social media impact

Footage of the British tourist staggering on Ipanema Beach went viral, sparking outrage and debates about safety in Rio. The video, recorded by a witness at 5 a.m. on Thursday, shows the young man disoriented, collapsing on the sand after exiting a taxi. The suspects are seen fleeing in another vehicle, reinforcing suspicions of a premeditated crime.

The case’s virality increased pressure on authorities to locate the culprits. Social media users highlighted the audacity of the scammers, operating in busy, tourist-heavy areas. The incident also reignited discussions about the need for greater oversight in tourist zones and better protection for visitors.

• The video was recorded by a witness who alerted authorities.
• The footage shows the suspects quickly leaving the scene.
• The virality sparked debates about safety in tourist areas.
• Deat is using the footage to trace the scammers’ route.

Police efforts to apprehend suspects

The Civil Police have intensified efforts to locate the trio. Security cameras from Ipanema and Lapa are being reviewed, and witnesses, including the taxi driver who transported the suspects, have been interviewed. Deat believes the women continue to operate in tourist areas, making their capture urgent.

Officer Alemany stressed the crime’s severity, noting the health risks posed by the sedatives used, which can cause severe side effects like arrhythmias and respiratory failure. Police are working to gather evidence to ensure the suspects’ conviction, avoiding further acquittals like Raiane’s in 2025.

Recommended safety measures

To prevent further cases, Deat issued practical guidelines for tourists and locals. Staying vigilant about drinks and interactions with strangers is crucial in festive settings. Police also recommend that victims report incidents promptly, even for minor losses, to strengthen investigations.

• Never accept drinks from strangers in bars or events.
• Avoid sharing personal information with unknown individuals.
• Keep valuables in secure locations.
• Report any suspicious approaches to authorities.
• Seek specialized precincts, like Deat, in case of a crime.

History of scams in Rio

The “Good Night, Cinderella” scam is not new in Rio de Janeiro. In recent years, Deat has noted a rise in cases, particularly targeting foreign tourists. In 2024, a woman was arrested at Pedra do Sal for leading a gang that carried out similar scams. The recurrence of such crimes underscores the need for stronger preventive measures, such as awareness campaigns and increased police presence in tourist areas.

The city, known for its hospitality, faces the challenge of balancing tourism with safety. The 2025 cases highlight the importance of educational and enforcement measures to curb scammers exploiting Rio’s festive image.