Woman rescued from captivity in São Paulo after writing plea for help

A woman from Alagoas was rescued from captivity and sexual abuse in Itapecerica da Serra, within the metropolitan region of São Paulo, after writing a desperate plea for help on a piece of paper.

The victim had been traveling in a clandestine van from Alagoas with 12 other people. While the other passengers disembarked in central São Paulo, the woman remained under the control of three men. During a fuel stop, she managed to write the words “por favor, me” on a note, which caught the attention of a convenience store employee.

To avoid suspicion from the suspects, the employee suggested the woman use the restroom facilities. While she was escorted there by the men, the employee discreetly alerted the police. Authorities arrived and arrested three men, one of whom had a prior criminal record. The victim reported being drugged with alcohol mixed with medication to keep her incapacitated.