Youtuber Captain Hunter arrested in SP on suspicion of child sexual exploitation and rape of vulnerable

The Rio de Janeiro Civil Police, with support from São Paulo’s Civil Police, arrested influencer João Paulo Manoel, known as Captain Hunter, on Wednesday (22) in Santo André, Greater São Paulo. The 45-year-old is under investigation for rape of a vulnerable person and production of child pornography. The probe began after a report from the family of a 13-year-old girl who alleged online abuse.

The initial contact happened in 2023 during a Pokémon event at Norte Shopping in Rio’s North Zone. From there, exchanges escalated to requests for intimate images in exchange for franchise items. Messages on apps like Discord and WhatsApp were preserved and analyzed by authorities.

Influencer’s profile in the Pokémon universe

João Paulo Manoel built a career focused on Pokémon content, emphasizing collectible cards and plush toys. His YouTube channel has over 700,000 subscribers and more than 2,000 published videos.

On social media, he reaches about 1 million followers, many of them children and teens drawn to the playful theme. Beyond videos, Manoel attends in-person events as a special guest and runs an online store for related products.

His content aimed at children boosted his visibility, including appearances at conventions attracting thousands of fans. These spaces served as starting points for personal interactions with minors.

Details of the investigation against the Youtuber

Authorities identified similar patterns in approaches to victims. A 13-year-old girl described how the influencer promised support in online gaming competitions to gain trust.

He later sent inappropriate personal photos and requested similar materials from her. The family intercepted messages confirming the exchanges, leading to a formal complaint at the Child and Adolescent Victim Police Station (DCAV).

Another case involves an 11-year-old boy, contacted during a similar event. Evidence includes digital records pointing to the production of explicit content.

The judge of the Rio Court for Crimes Against Children and Adolescents issued a temporary arrest warrant based on initial evidence. Agents conducted searches at the detention site, seizing equipment for forensic analysis.

Police measures in the joint operation

The action was coordinated between the police forces of both states. Search and seizure warrants were executed simultaneously with the arrest.

Data breach protocols allowed access to communications on digital platforms. All electronic devices, such as phones and computers, were collected for technical analysis.

The operation aimed to preserve evidence and prevent further contact with potential victims. Authorities are monitoring the suspect’s online profiles to identify other cases.

Initial contact with victims at events

Pokémon events in Rio de Janeiro facilitated the first encounters. In 2023, the 13-year-old girl, then 11, approached the Youtuber during a convention at Norte Shopping.

He presented himself as a mentor, offering guidance in virtual tournaments. The parents authorized initial exchanges, believing in professional support.

A second interaction occurred in São Paulo, with family present at another event. The established trust paved the way for private online communications.

Approach to 11-year-old follows same pattern

The 11-year-old boy met Manoel in a similar situation during a franchise-related activity. Initial messages focused on gaming tips and collectible item trades.

The tone quickly shifted to requests for personal photos. Records show offers of products in exchange for intimate content.

• The victim preserved screenshots of the conversations.
• Authorities confirm similarities with the teenager’s case.
• Investigators are seeking other reports in online fan communities.

Seizures and next steps in the investigation

Seized equipment includes devices with social media access history. Technical analysis will examine stored files to map interactions.

The temporary arrest allows for deeper investigations. Victims’ families are receiving guidance on digital protection.

Specialized police stations are monitoring the case for potential expansions of the inquiry. The defense’s space for comment remains open.