Itabuna carpenter arrested for drugging victims to steal bank funds

A 23-year-old carpenter, Carlos Henrique Rosa dos Santos, was arrested in the Califórnia neighborhood of Itabuna, Bahia, on suspicion of drugging clients to steal money from their bank accounts.

According to the Civil Police, the suspect used his carpentry business to gain the trust of victims. He allegedly administered medications or poisonous substances to incapacitate them, allowing him to perform unauthorized financial transfers. At least three victims have been identified.

One victim, a professor from the State University of Santa Cruz (Uesc), suffered cardiac complications and required intensive care (ICU) after being drugged during a service at her apartment. During her incapacitation, transfers exceeding R$ 40,000 were made from her account.

Other reported victims include a 42-year-old man who lost R$ 7,890 after consuming tea prepared by the suspect, and a 53-year-old man who lost nearly R$ 20,000 following unauthorized card purchases after consuming alcohol with the suspect. Police seized a vehicle and two mobile phones during the operation.