Fugitive woman suspected of R$ 1 million fraud sought in Itanhandu (MG)
Civil Police are searching for Luana Oliveira Franco da Rosa, 28, suspected of fraud against at least five victims in southern Minas. Total losses exceed R$ 1 million.
Fugitive suspect in million-real fraud case in Itanhandu remains at large
The Civil Police of Minas Gerais are searching for a 28-year-old woman suspected of committing fraud that caused losses exceeding R$ 1 million in Itanhandu, in southern Minas. According to g1.globo.com, at least five victims have been identified and the court issued a preventive detention order for the suspect, identified as Luana Oliveira Franco da Rosa.
The arrest warrant was issued and executed on 16 September, but officers did not find Luana at the address. The suspect's mother answered the door and reported that her daughter was not at home. Police are investigating the possibility that she may be in Santos (SP) or Cruzeiro (SP).
In contact with EPTV, the suspect herself stated her intention to present herself to police accompanied by a lawyer on Friday (25).
Vehicle financing in third parties' names and unpaid loans
One of the main schemes attributed to the suspect involved obtaining vehicle financing in the names of third parties, without their knowledge or consent. Luana allegedly also requested borrowed money with promises of repayment that, according to victims' accounts, were not honoured.
According to the investigation, the suspect deliberately approached people with whom she maintained some type of relationship — friends, relatives and acquaintances. Among the victims is a 72-year-old woman who had known Luana for more than ten years and used to visit her home.
On different occasions, the suspect allegedly requested documents and access to the victims' banking data under various justifications, such as problems with bank registration, payment of debts or other expenses. In some cases, victims performed facial recognition and handed their mobile phones to the suspect.
Defence contests necessity of preventive detention
In a statement sent to EPTV, the law firm Firmino Advocacia, responsible for Luana's defence, reported that she voluntarily appeared at Itanhandu Police Station on 3 September to provide clarification and that, from the beginning, she did not refuse to cooperate with the authorities.
According to her lawyers, the preventive detention order was issued on 16 September, just days after this voluntary appearance. The defence considers the measure unnecessary and asserts that there are no concrete elements that justify it. Legal measures have already been adopted, according to the law firm, so that Luana can respond to the accusations while at liberty.
New victims may be identified
The Civil Police continue their search and are attempting to identify other possible victims of the fraud. Anyone with information about the suspect's whereabouts or who believes they have been harmed should contact the nearest police station to file a report.
Source: Google News BR — São Paulo