Two suspects surrendered to police in a collective rape case against a 17-year-old girl in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, on January 31. The investigation uncovers a planned ambush by the victim's ex-boyfriend, with other youths involved in the assault. New complaints against the group have emerged, prompting further inquiries.
The collective rape took place on January 31, 2024, in an apartment on Rua Ministro Viveiros de Castro in Copacabana, south zone of Rio de Janeiro. The victim, a 17-year-old girl, was lured to the location by urgent messages from her ex-boyfriend, a 17-year-old minor with whom she had a relationship from 2023 to 2024. Upon arrival, she was taken to the apartment, where she initially consented to sex with her ex, but the room was invaded by other youths who insisted on joining despite her refusals.
Police report that the victim was locked in the room, physically assaulted—including hair pulling and a kick to the abdomen—and subjected to forced sexual acts for about an hour. A forensic exam confirmed injuries such as bruises, abrasions, and bleeding. Security cameras recorded movements in the sixth-floor hallway between 7:24 p.m. and 8:42 p.m., showing the suspects' arrival and the victim's distressed exit, followed by gestures from the minor interpreted as celebration.
Five youths are under investigation: João Gabriel Xavier Bertho, 19; Vitor Hugo Oliveira Simonin, 18; Mattheus Veríssimo Zoel Martins, 19; Bruno Felipe dos Santos Allegretti, 18; and the 17-year-old minor. On March 3, Mattheus and João surrendered at the Copacabana and Botafogo police stations, respectively, where preventive arrest warrants were executed. Vitor Hugo, Bruno, and the minor remain at large or unlocated. The court ordered preventive detention for the four adults for qualified rape in complicity; the minor faces an equivalent juvenile offense.
The Civil Police launched Operation Não é Não on February 28 to serve warrants, initially without locating them. Two new complaints emerged: one of rape in 2023 against the group, involving filming for intimidation, and another on March 3 against Vitor Hugo. Inquiries continue at Colégio Pedro II, attended by some suspects.
The victim's mother, in an interview with TV Globo, said her daughter felt shame and guilt, even contemplating suicide due to fear of judgment. 'She said ‘no’, and they should have respected it. She is starting to realize she is not to blame,' she stated. Consequences include the exoneration of Vitor Hugo's father from a government position, suspension of João Gabriel from Serrano FC, expulsion proceedings for Vitor Hugo and the minor from Colégio Pedro II, and a 120-day suspension for Bruno from Unirio, which expressed solidarity to victims.
Information on fugitives can be reported to Disque Denúncia.
