99 ordered to pay R$ 300,000 to rape victim in Belo Horizonte

A court in Minas Gerais has ordered the ride-hailing platform 99 to pay R$ 300,000 in moral damages to a passenger who was raped after being left unconscious on a street in Belo Horizonte in July 2023. The decision, issued by the 32nd Civil Court of Belo Horizonte, found that the company failed in its service provision by not ensuring the passenger's safety.

The incident occurred in the early hours of July 30, 2023, following a concert at the Mineirão stadium. The driver, aware the victim had consumed alcohol, left her unconscious on a sidewalk after failing to reach her family via intercom. A third party subsequently found the victim and committed the assault. While the driver was acquitted of criminal charges for the rape itself, the judge ruled that 99 is part of the service supply chain and is responsible for passenger security.

In addition to the moral damages, the company must pay R$ 3,851.77 for material damages and cover all psychological and psychiatric treatments for the victim until her definitive medical discharge. The victim has since developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and panic attacks. The R$ 300,000 indemnity will be adjusted by the IPCA index.