Overview

• Officers from the 3rd Police District in Santos detained Matheus Rodelo Monteiro Machado, 27, on October 8 in the Aparecida neighborhood after 14 hours of field and intelligence work.
• The Caraguatatuba case alleges more than 50 romance-based frauds and threats, leading to a warrant that was executed on the coast.
• Investigators say he used dating apps and false personas—heir, fazendeiro, medical student, investor, sportsman—to obtain transfers, use victims’ cards, and pitch sham investments.
• Police seized two cellphones, 11 bank cards, psychiatric medications, portions of smoked substance, and a car registered to a third party; he refused to sign the warrant and was taken to the 5th DP jail.
• One victim reported losses above R$100,000 across 51 transfers and described monitoring and threats, while police urge additional complainants to come forward as his defense labels the arrest unlawful and vows to prove innocence.