Former Bahia shelter coordinator accused of embezzling R$ 175,000

A former coordinator of the Abrigo Lar Feminino in Ilhéus, Bahia, has been charged by the Bahia Public Prosecutor's Office (MPBA) for allegedly embezzling over R$ 175,000 from a woman with intellectual disabilities.

The investigation covers the period between 2018 and 2025. The accused, Sayonara Santos Silva de Oliveira, faces charges of embezzlement and potential violations of the Brazilian Law for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. The victim, who had no family ties, relied on the Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC).

Prosecutors allege that the former coordinator managed the victim's finances, diverted monthly benefit payments, and emptied a savings account containing more than R$ 51,000 through unauthorized withdrawals and transfers. Additionally, the investigation claims the accused took out consumer loans and credit card debt in the victim's name, using the funds for personal benefit while the installments were deducted from the victim's social assistance payments.