Woman who performed spiritual services accused of fraud and extortion

A 27-year-old woman was charged with the crimes of qualified fraud, extortion and money laundering in Barcelos.

The Núcleo de Investigação Criminal de Guimarães of the GNR investigated the woman for three months and was able to establish that the suspect selected the victims through social networks, on pages related to esoteric practices, where she persuaded them to carry out bank transfers for the execution of spiritual services to improve their lives.

When victims refused to continue payments, they were threatened with public disclosure of personal and intimate data.

The GNR then complied with three search warrants – one at home, one at an establishment and one at a banking institution -, which allowed the seizure of two mobile phones and the balance of a bank account used for depositing amounts obtained and money transactions with victims.

The suspect was constituted as an arguida and the facts were communicated to the Póvoa de Lanhoso Judicial Court.