Police in Brazil arrested a social media influencer, Monniky Fraga, on Tuesday morning for allegedly staging her own kidnapping nearly a year earlier, an incident that involved her husband being beaten while their young children remained unaware of the claimed danger.
She was detained during a dawn operation that led to the arrest, that occurred almost one year after the reported abduction in April 2025, when Fraga shared a dramatic account with her more than 48,000 followers across social media platforms.
Fraga told followers that she and her husband, Lucas, were ambushed by three armed men outside their home after returning from the beach.
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She described how the men threatened torture unless ransom was paid and said Lucas was beaten, as the couple handed over their belongings, including gold chains.
The couple was allegedly taken to a wooded area near a river and, held for several hours before being released after cash was paid.
In a tearful video message to fans at the time, Fraga said, “I spent hours in the woods. I didn’t know if I’d make it back. There was a river there, and the whole time I thought they were going to kill me and throw me in here, and I’d never see anyone again. All I could think about was my children.”
She added, “They beat up Lucas. They were after some gold chains I had posted about. And I said, ‘Those gold chains weren’t mine’ […].”
Authorities launched an investigation shortly after the reported incident.
On Tuesday, police carried out Operation Cortina de Likes, also referred to as Smokescreen of Likes, involving about 30 officers, who executed two arrest warrants and two search warrants issued by the Criminal Court of Igarassu.
Detective Cley Anderson, from the Special Operations Group stated, “As the investigation progressed, it found indications that the alleged kidnap-for-ransom was in fact nothing more than a plot between the supposed victim and one of the perpetrators.”
Anderson further said, “The investigation suggests she not only knew about it, but agreed things in advance and stayed in contact with one of those involved afterwards.”
Police believe at least three other people participated in the alleged stunt, but Fraga’s husband is reported to have been unaware of any plan, reports THE SUN US.
One suspected accomplice is already in prison on other charges, another was killed before arrest could occur, and a third man accused of receiving the ransom money had his property searched.
Fraga maintains she was genuinely kidnapped as her lawyers are seeking her release from custody to house arrest, citing her young children.
She faces potential charges of extortion, procedural fraud and false communication of a crime.
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