What to Know
A loving Brazilian family fostered Gabriele, whom they thought was a 12-year-old girl, for more than a year. But as time went on, those around her noticed inconsistencies in her story, eventually learning a shocking truth.
In reality, the child was 37-year-old Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira. The adult reportedly scammed the family into believing she was a child to take advantage of them financially. The family ultimately turned her over to the police, and Oliveira will spend the next 18 months in prison.
Oliveira claimed she was running from an abusive home.
According to a news release translated to English, Oliveira used a false identity to become the foster child of a family in Joinville. She reportedly claimed a history of “abuse, health problems, and family abandonment,” preying upon the emotions of the foster family. The unidentified family willingly took Oliveira in and treated her like their own. They provided her with treated as a “housing, food, medication, and other care,” per the court.
The foster family believed her.
Local media outlet G1 Santa Catarina reported that an aunt of the foster family became suspicious of Oliveira’s high-pitched voice and strange behavior. She believed the woman was much older than she pretended to be.
Per the outlet, Oliveira claimed she had autism and that her other adult traits were due to abuse and forced hormones during her youth. The family apparently bought her story and threw her a birthday party, decorated a room in the home, and even bought her toys. The aunt reportedly found evidence online supporting her concerns, ultimately leading to Oliveira’s arrest in June 2026.
A court ruled against Oliveira.
The court ultimately found that Oliveira used the family for both emotional and financial gain during the time she lived with them. She built bonds with others inside the home, seemingly unfazed by the fact that she was knowingly lying to them the entire time.
“Upon analyzing the case, the court considered the materiality, authorship, and intent to be proven in relation to the crimes of fraud and false identity, understanding that the defendant acted consciously to induce and maintain the victims in error and obtain material benefits due to the fictitious identity created and maintained over time,” according to a news release.
Oliveira’s legal team shared its disappointment with the ruling.
Oliveira’s attorneys, Sarita Henrique de Paiva and Lúcio Sousa, posted on Instagram regarding the judge’s ruling.
“The defense expresses its disagreement with the decision and states that it will immediately pursue all applicable legal measures and appeals before the higher courts, with the aim of overturning the judgment and proving Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira’s innocence on appeal, the post reads.
“Finally, the legal team makes itself available to the press and the public for any necessary clarification, reaffirming that it will continue tirelessly seeking to establish Amanda’s innocence.”
A judge sentenced Oliveira to one year, six months, and 10 days in prison, followed by four months and 18 days of detention, in a “semi-open regime.”
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