JOINVILLE — Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira was arrested in Joinville, Brazil, and charged with fraud and false identity offenses. The arrest followed the discovery that she had posed as a 12-year-old girl to a couple who housed and supported her for over a year.
Oliveira resided with the couple for approximately 14 to 16 months. During this time, the couple covered her living expenses, furnished a bedroom with children's items, and hosted a 12th birthday party for her. Oliveira first approached the couple at an evangelical church, introducing herself as Gabrielle.
Initially, she told the couple she was 18 years old and experiencing financial and health difficulties. She later claimed to be a child aged 11 or 12. She attributed her physical appearance to forced childhood hormone therapy and sexual abuse. Oliveira convinced the family to avoid enrolling her in school or formalizing an adoption, claiming it would prevent her father from locating her.
A visiting relative suspected her actual age and found online reports of a similar deception case in Rio de Janeiro. Police arrested Oliveira at the family's residence following the relative's discovery. Videos and photographs show Oliveira using pacifiers and baby bottles.
Public prosecutor Viviane Soares stated that the investigation uncovered an elaborate fraud scheme involving the creation of a fictitious identity and the emotional manipulation of victims in order to obtain undue advantages. A woman who believed she was hosting a child said, "I was deceived by a woman who claimed to be a 12-year-old. I gave her affection, love, and food. There was no way I could suspect anything."
The earliest documented report of Oliveira's deception occurred in the late 2000s in the state of Ceará. She was previously convicted of false identity offenses in the state of Goiás. Medical personnel in Rio de Janeiro discovered over 200 needles embedded in Oliveira's body during a prior hospital visit.
A judge authorized a psychiatric evaluation for Oliveira, following a request from her defense lawyer, Rafael Luiz Siewert. Siewert said, "I identified elements that justified requesting a psychiatric evaluation." Court proceedings are suspended until medical professionals determine if Oliveira is fit to stand trial. Oliveira is detained at Joinville Women's Prison while awaiting trial.