A fake lawyer was arrested this Wednesday (3), during Operation False Screen, by the Fraud Division (DDEF), which investigates a fraud scheme involving works of art and the negotiation of a high-value property in Rio. According to the Civil Police, the loss caused to the victim, an antique dealer, exceeds R$ 2 million.
Michele Coelho Montenegro was arrested at her home in Ipanema, in the southern part of Rio de Janeiro. In addition to the arrest, agents executed nine other search and seizure warrants and recovered a work of art linked to the investigation. Police also operated in Recreio dos Bandeirantes and Barra da Tijuca, in the southwestern part of the city; and in Niterói, in the metropolitan region.
According to the investigation, Michele presented herself as a lawyer and heiress to a large estate to gain the antique dealer's trust. Subsequently, she convinced the man to sell a property in Copacabana and brokered negotiations for works of art.
Promise of financial gains
The agents claim that the woman promised quick profits to induce advance payments. During the investigation, documents with signs of forgery, bank statements without financial backing, and checks returned due to fraud were identified.
Police are also investigating the disappearance of works of art that were allegedly sold without the owners' permission — at least four paintings.
Those involved in the scheme could face charges of fraud and misappropriation. Investigations are ongoing to identify other possible participants in the crimes and to assess the losses.
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