British tourists have been cautioned about falling victim to “Goodnight Cinderella” spiking scams while on vacation, particularly in popular tourist spots like Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. These scams involve alluring women drugging tourists’ drinks with powerful sedatives and then robbing them once they become unconscious.
Authorities in Brazil have highlighted that British tourists are seen as easy targets due to their potential naivety, possession of valuable items, and lack of familiarity with the local surroundings. The victims unknowingly consume spiked drinks and are later robbed after passing out, often when they return to their accommodations with the perpetrators.
According to Professor Bayard do Coutto Boiteux of the Rio de Janeiro Tourism Ambassadors Association, these incidents often stem from sex tourism activities. He emphasized the risks associated with taking strangers back to one’s hotel and advised against such actions to prevent falling victim to these scams.
In a recent incident, a 21-year-old British tourist in Brazil experienced a “Goodnight Cinderella” scenario after taking a few sips of a drink offered by three women. He quickly lost consciousness and was found collapsed on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro. Fortunately, a passerby intervened, called for help, and assisted in identifying and apprehending the suspects.
The perpetrators, Amanda Couto Deloca, Mayara Katelyn Americo da Silva, and Raiane Campos de Oliveira, were arrested, along with Francini Demétrio Sitas, known as the “Queen of Goodnight Cinderella,” who has a history of targeting foreign tourists for such crimes. Police disclosed that Sitas has a record of multiple similar offenses and has stolen a substantial sum from victims.
The incident serves as a cautionary tale for travelers to remain vigilant and avoid situations that could leave them vulnerable to such scams while enjoying their vacations abroad.
