Santa Catarina crime: Double homicide conviction and impersonation scams

In Santa Catarina, a man has been sentenced to 34 years and four months in prison for the double homicide and concealment of bodies of two friends in São Joaquim. The crime, which occurred in September 2024, took place during a social gathering where the defendant allegedly attacked the victims following a dispute over land lease debts. The bodies were found carbonized after the defendant set fire to the residence.

Separately, authorities in Lages are investigating a fraudulent scheme involving impersonation. Scammers are using fake social media profiles of a local councilwoman and a judge to target service providers. The criminals offer fraudulent transport contracts and then use fake payment receipts to trick victims into returning a supposed 'overpayment' via Pix transfer.