Brazilian surgeon Joao Araujo flees US before trial

Joao Batista Cunha De Araujo, a 57-year-old Brazilian national nicknamed ‘Dr. Frankenstein,’ has fled the United States just days before his trial in Miami-Dade County. Araujo faces 14 charges, including 13 felonies related to grand theft, fraud, and practicing medicine without a license following allegations of disfiguring patients at his clinic.

Authorities report that Araujo’s ankle monitor triggered a tamper alert on August 1, three days before his scheduled trial. Although he had surrendered his Brazilian passport as a condition of his bond, sources suggest he may have escaped to Brazil, a country that generally does not extradite its own citizens. His wife and co-defendant, Amanda Ungaro, is also facing charges in the case.

The disappearance has exacerbated existing diplomatic tensions between the United States and Brazil. The incident follows a series of recent frictions, including Brazil blocking a US ambassadorial nominee and denying visas to State Department officials. US officials have noted that if Brazilian authorities facilitated Araujo’s escape by issuing new travel documents, it could further damage the bilateral relationship.