Nineteen-year-old indicted for R$150,000 aggravated fraud in Santos spiritual healing scam

A 19-year-old woman, who allegedly posed as a spiritual leader, has been indicted for aggravated fraud this Friday in Santos, on the coast of São Paulo. Police accuse her of swindling an elderly man out of R$150,000 (approximately USD $30,000) through false promises of spiritual healing and balance.

The extensive investigation by the Civil Police began in December 2025 after the 77-year-old victim filed a formal complaint at a local police station. Authorities quickly initiated efforts to trace the alleged perpetrator and unravel the intricate scheme.

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The case highlights a growing concern over scams targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly, by exploiting their trust and spiritual beliefs for financial gain. The police are continuing their inquiry into potential additional victims.

Allegations of a cunning scheme

The victim recounted his initial encounter with the alleged fraudster. He discovered a flyer prominently displayed on a street pole, advertising the services of a spiritualist who claimed to read cards and cowrie shells, promising health and equilibrium through spiritual work.

The woman, who introduced herself using the false name Lúcia, presented herself as a legitimate spiritual practitioner. Her advertisements were designed to attract individuals seeking guidance and solutions to personal and health issues, establishing a facade of credibility.

The fraudulent healing sessions unfold

Following the advertisement, the elderly man visited the location where the woman conducted her supposed spiritual sessions. During these meetings, the self-proclaimed leader systematically convinced him to make numerous deposits and cash payments.

The justification for these significant financial transactions was presented as demands from “the entities” she claimed to channel. Each payment, according to the woman, was crucial for the success of the spiritual rituals intended to bring about the promised cures.

To further secure the victim’s cooperation and financial contributions, the indicted woman guaranteed that the entire amount would be fully reimbursed at the conclusion of the extensive spiritual process. This promise of a refund served as a key manipulative tactic.

Police trace the money trail and identify perpetrator

Investigators from the Civil Police meticulously analyzed the victim’s deposition, which became the cornerstone of their inquiry into the fraudulent activities. The details provided by the elderly man were instrumental in initiating a comprehensive tracking effort.

During their in-depth investigation, police discovered that a substantial portion of the defrauded money was systematically channeled into several bank accounts. These accounts belonged to third parties who had been designated by the alleged perpetrator, complicating the financial trail.

Through persistent investigative work, law enforcement agents successfully unmasked the true identity of the false spiritual leader, revealing her actual name as Gabrielly. This critical breakthrough allowed authorities to move forward with formal proceedings.

Further inquiries by the police revealed that Gabrielly is the daughter of an individual with a documented history of involvement in similar fraudulent schemes. This familial connection suggests a pattern of such deceptive practices within her immediate environment, raising concerns about potential intergenerational fraud.

Search warrants uncover fraudulent tools

With search and seizure warrants authorized by the judiciary, civil police officers conducted thorough operations at both Gabrielly’s residence in Boqueirão and the commercial space she used to meet her victims. These coordinated diligences were crucial in gathering concrete evidence.

At these locations, investigators confiscated a range of items pertinent to the scam. Among the seized evidence were numerous flyers used to attract unsuspecting clients, several cell phones, a card machine, and surprisingly, a chicken and a pigeon, which were believed to have been utilized in the alleged spiritual rituals.

The animals recovered during the search were promptly taken into custody with the assistance of the Municipal Civil Guard (GCM) and subsequently handed over to the NGO Pombos de Santos. This organization is now providing urgent care and necessary sanitary treatment for the rescued birds, ensuring their well-being. A vehicle linked to the investigated individual was also impounded as part of the ongoing evidence collection.

Legal proceedings and ongoing investigation

During her official interrogation, Gabrielly exercised her right to remain silent, providing no statements to the authorities regarding the allegations. Despite her silence, based on the accumulated evidence and witness testimonies, she was formally indicted on charges of aggravated fraud.

The Civil Police continues to actively investigate whether this elaborate scheme victimized other individuals, urging anyone with information to come forward. The ongoing police inquiry seeks to uncover the full extent of the fraudulent network and ensure justice for all affected parties. Investigators are reviewing financial records and other evidence to identify additional victims.

Combating scams targeting vulnerable populations

The case underscores the persistent challenge of financial fraud, particularly when it targets the elderly and exploits their trust in spiritual practices. Law enforcement agencies frequently warn against schemes that promise quick fixes or miraculous cures in exchange for large sums of money, emphasizing the need for public vigilance and skepticism.

Authorities continue to implement measures aimed at protecting vulnerable demographics from such predatory practices. Public awareness campaigns and stricter oversight of individuals claiming spiritual powers are key components in the broader strategy to prevent these types of financial exploitation.