Hytalo Santos, a 28-year-old digital influencer from Paraíba, was arrested on August 15, 2025, in João Pessoa, accused of child sexual exploitation and human trafficking following allegations made by YouTuber Felca in a viral video. The operation, carried out by a task force comprising the Paraíba Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPPB), GAECO, Civil Police, Labor Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPT), and the Cyber Operations Laboratory, resulted in the detention of the content creator, who had been under investigation since 2024. The case gained national attention, sparking debates in Congress about the sexualization of children in digital content. The arrest followed searches, seizures, and the blocking of the influencer’s profiles.
The police action was triggered by investigations revealing the production of videos featuring minors in sexualized situations, generating significant profits for Hytalo. Felca’s video, posted on August 6, exposed details of the scheme, including the participation of teenagers in inappropriate content, such as sensual dances and intimate interactions. The allegations amplified public and political pressure, leading to swift judicial measures.
Authorities executed search and seizure warrants at Hytalo’s residence in João Pessoa, confiscating cell phones and computers. The operation also involved the demonetization of content and a ban on contact with victims. The case is now under review to determine the extent of the accusations and potential accomplices.
- Key judicial measures: blocking of social media, seizure of equipment, ban on contact with minors.
- Impact: Felca’s video surpassed 200 million views, fueling congressional debates.
- Investigation: probes began in 2024, with over 50 videos analyzed and 15 testimonies collected.
Police operation and arrest details
Hytalo Santos’ arrest stemmed from a coordinated task force involving the MPPB, GAECO, Paraíba Civil Police, MPT, and the Cyber Operations Laboratory of the National Justice Secretariat. The operation, carried out on the morning of August 15, included searches at two addresses linked to the influencer in the Portal do Sol neighborhood of João Pessoa. Electronic devices, such as cell phones and a computer, were seized for forensic analysis to uncover further evidence of crimes like sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office had been investigating Hytalo since 2024, following anonymous tips to the Disque 100 hotline and reports from neighbors about parties involving minors, alcohol consumption, and topless scenes at his condominium. Prosecutors Ana Maria França from Bayeux and João Arlindo from João Pessoa led parallel investigations, which gained momentum after Felca’s video. The judicial decision also included suspending a raffle and lottery company linked to the influencer for improperly using images of minors.
- Joint action: GAECO, Civil Police, and MPT worked in sync to execute warrants.
- Evidence: over 50 videos analyzed, with testimonies from teenagers and collaborators.
- Preventive measures: ban on contact with victims and demonetization of content.
Felca’s allegations and social media impact
YouTuber Felca, with over 13 million followers, brought the case to light on August 6 with a video titled “Sexualization,” detailing how Hytalo Santos produced content with teenagers in inappropriate situations. The video, which garnered over 200 million views, highlighted the involvement of minors, such as Kamylinha, who joined Hytalo’s “team” at age 12. Felca accused the influencer of creating a “reality show” with scenes appealing to an adult audience, generating engagement and financial profits.
Following the allegations, Hytalo’s Instagram account, with 17 million followers, and Kamylinha’s, with 11 million, were deactivated. Public pressure led the Paraíba Judiciary to block the influencer’s social media on August 12 and prohibit monetization of his videos. The case also sparked criticism of parents’ and guardians’ negligence, who are now under investigation by the MPPB.
The video’s impact extended beyond social media, mobilizing authorities and lawmakers. Federal Deputy Reimont (PT-RJ), head of the Chamber’s Human Rights Committee, filed a request for a criminal investigation and preventive detention on August 11, emphasizing the urgency of addressing child exploitation.
Political reactions and legislative debates
Hytalo Santos’ arrest intensified discussions in Congress about regulating digital content involving children and teenagers. Chamber President Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB) announced on August 10 the upcoming vote on bills addressing the protection of minors on digital platforms. Deputy Talíria Petrone (PSOL-RJ) introduced Bill 3867/2025, classifying children’s participation in digital content as artistic child labor, proposing stricter rules based on the Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA).
The proposals include requiring platforms like Instagram and TikTok to detect and suspend sexualized content involving minors and ban their monetization. Lawmakers also demand greater oversight of influencers profiting from children’s exposure, with reports to be sent to child protection councils.
- Bills in focus: regulation of digital content with children.
- Proposed law: Bill 3867/2025 by Talíria Petrone strengthens the ECA.
- Parliamentary actions: reports sent to the MP and child protection councils.
- Suggested measures: preventive suspension of inappropriate content.
Hytalo Santos’ background and prior investigations
Hytalo Santos, born in Cajazeiras, Paraíba, rose to fame in 2018 with dance videos, particularly brega funk, attracting millions of followers. He created “Hytalo’s Mansion,” where vulnerable teenagers lived with financial support, housing, and education in exchange for participating in his content. Kamylinha, who announced her pregnancy with Hytalo’s brother, Hyago Santos, at age 17, became one of the most controversial cases.
The MPPB investigations began in 2024 after neighbors reported inappropriate parties. The Labor Public Prosecutor’s Office also investigated the exploitation of minors in over 50 videos, collecting 15 testimonies from those involved in production. Prosecutors identified offers of benefits, such as cell phones and rent payments, to attract families and secure teenagers’ participation.
Hytalo’s defense denies the allegations, claiming the videos had parental consent and some girls were emancipated. However, the influencer changed his legal team on August 14, with the new attorneys affirming his willingness to cooperate with authorities while he remains in custody.
Next judicial steps
Hytalo Santos’ arrest marks progress in the investigations, but the case is far from resolved. The Paraíba Public Prosecutor’s Office is set to finalize the inquiry report next week, detailing the involvement of other potential accomplices. The analysis of seized equipment will be critical to confirming the extent of the crimes, including sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and possible negligence by parents or guardians.
The Judiciary is also evaluating the continued suspension of the influencer’s raffle company, which used minors’ images for promotion. Meanwhile, society follows the case, which exposed vulnerabilities in protecting children in digital spaces and the need for stricter regulations.
- MP report: completion expected next week.
- Forensic analysis: focus on seized cell phones and computers.
- Expanded investigations: probing negligence by parents and guardians.
- Company suspension: recommendation to halt raffles and lotteries.