A Brazilian woman, Francisca dos Santos, has been missing for nearly a month in Tabuaço, Viseu district, after reportedly leaving a note inside a bible at her home declaring love for her then-boyfriend, identified as Luís.
This information was confirmed by her brother, Antônio Santos, in a statement to SIC’s ‘Linha Aberta’ program. Antônio, who is in Portugal, said the handwriting appears to be that of his sister.
“I have a marriage with Luís Jesus, whom I love very much, and I am very happy and grateful,” the note read, found amidst a bible.
Ismael Tomé, Francisca’s landlord, also told SIC Notícias that there was a letter where Francisca spoke of “disillusionment,” along with a ring and several notes with “outpourings,” suggesting she was upset with her boyfriend.
This Portuguese man, identified as Francisca’s boyfriend, reported her disappearance. The man, in his 50s, had introduced himself to the family as a plastic surgeon working at a private hospital in Lisbon. However, Francisca’s family is uncertain about the credibility of this information.
Although they frequently spoke with Luís, they never visited the apartments he claimed to own in Lisbon but did see him on a “farm” surrounded by some “animals.”
Francisca, 44, disappeared on June 20, and it was Luís who called Francisca’s mother to inform her of the disappearance. In a video shared on social media, Francisca’s mother recounted that before disclosing her daughter’s disappearance, Luís asked her a question related to an old boyfriend, named Paulo.
“‘Tell me the truth’. That’s when I said: ‘no, she dated before,'” the woman explained, noting that this previous relationship took place in 2023.
After reporting the disappearance to the family, the man remained silent until media reports emerged. He later sent messages to Francisca’s mother, expressing support for the family and distancing himself from her disappearance.
The case is under investigation by the Polícia Judiciária (PJ), after initial efforts by the National Republican Guard (GNR) which conducted unsuccessful searches over several days.
Now reports that PJ inspectors have already questioned several individuals, including Francisca’s alleged boyfriend.
Following his statement to the PJ, the man was released but had his mobile phone seized.
Luís declined to speak to the media.
Six Thousand Euro Loan
Antônio Santos further disclosed that Luís had lent him six thousand euros. Francisca requested this money from her boyfriend following her brother’s accident.
“The reason for the money was that in 2024, I had an accident, and my sister and Luís were very concerned and willing to help me. They committed to sending me 6,000 euros,” Antônio told ‘Linha Aberta’, noting that he “insisted it wasn’t necessary,” but the couple wanted to provide the money.
Antônio states that the debt was settled prior to his sister’s disappearance.
“The money was returned before all this happened. There’s nothing more to return to him. Everything is alright,” he said.
Brother Sells Some of Francisca’s Belongings
In the meantime, Francisca’s brother began disposing of some of her belongings. According to Antônio Santos, the landlord demanded “the release of the house in three days.” “So, yesterday we had to handle the matter of vacating the house for him, as he insisted,” he explained.
Antônio intends to remain in Portugal until there is a resolution to his sister’s case.
The family has also sought help from Brazilian authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty), the Brazilian Consulate-General in Porto, and the Federal Police.
Itamaraty confirmed to G1 that it is monitoring the case through the consulate, maintaining direct contact with Francisca’s family.
Despite all efforts to locate Francisca, she remains missing. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the authorities.
A Brazilian woman, aged 44, went missing on June 20 from her home in Tabuaço, Viseu district, when she went to dispose of the garbage. The mystery deepens as nearly a month has passed without any news of Francisca.
Natacha Nunes Costa | 10:53 – 18/07/2025
