# Legal professional fraud investigations in Brazil

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/legal-professional-fraud-investigations-in-brazil
> Updated: 2026-09-24T23:40:23.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

Recent investigations in Brazil have uncovered instances of fraudulent legal practice and the unauthorized use of professional credentials.

In Minas Gerais, lawyer Antônio Carlos Cabral Coelho was arrested following the discovery that he attempted to practice law using fraudulent Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil (OAB) registration numbers. Investigations revealed that his registration in Minas Gerais had been canceled due to disciplinary proceedings, his São Paulo registration was suspended, and he had been using a third registration number belonging to an inactive professional. This discovery occurred during a virtual hearing for a criminal review process related to the misappropriation of client funds.

Separately, in Rondônia, the OAB-RO has launched a disciplinary investigation into an intern suspected of the illegal practice of law. The individual allegedly misrepresented herself as a lawyer to clients in Ouro Preto do Oeste and Alvorada do Oeste, charging fees for social security benefits and using the name of an unknown lawyer in judicial proceedings. The matter has been referred to the Public Ministry of Rondônia to investigate potential criminal charges, including fraud.

## Claims

- The OAB-RO has opened a disciplinary administrative process to investigate an intern suspected of practicing law without supervision. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The suspect allegedly assisted a client in seeking social security benefits from the INSS. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The intern allegedly omitted her student status and presented herself as a lawyer. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The suspect allegedly charged fees and presented a service contract to the client after the benefit was granted. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A legal proceeding was reportedly filed under the name of another lawyer unknown to the client. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The lawyer formally linked to the case is also under investigation for potentially facilitating the irregular practice. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The case has been referred to the Public Ministry of Rondônia. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Public Ministry will investigate potential crimes including illegal practice of a profession and fraud. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-24: OAB-RO investigates intern for suspected illegal practice of law

OAB-RO is investigating an intern suspected of impersonating a lawyer to secure social security benefits and charging fees in Rondônia, Brazil. The case has been referred to the Public Ministry.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oab-ro-investigates-intern-for-suspected-illegal-practice-of-law

### 2026-09-22: Lawyer arrested for using fraudulent OAB registrations in Brazil

Lawyer Antônio Carlos Cabral Coelho was arrested in Brazil for using fraudulent OAB registration numbers to practice law in Minas Gerais and São Paulo.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lawyer-arrested-for-using-fraudulent-oab-registrations-in-brazil

---
Cite as: Legal professional fraud investigations in Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/legal-professional-fraud-investigations-in-brazil