Maria Francisca dos Santos, 44, has been missing for almost a month in Tabuaço, in the Viseu district. The mystery surrounding her disappearance deepens with each passing day and the emergence of new information. Neighbors fear the worst.
The Brazilian woman, who had lived in Portugal for about four years, is believed to have disappeared on the night of June 20.
On that day, she was reportedly seen in pajamas, leaving her house to dispose of household waste at around 10 p.m., and did not return. The house lights remained on, and her documents were left behind. Francisca only took her cell phone, whose last location was recorded near the garbage area, as explained by her brother, Antônio Santos.
The disappearance was reported to authorities the following day by Francisca’s boyfriend, identified as Luís, and her employer, who found it strange that she did not show up for work. However, there are reports suggesting that Francisca and Luís, who is not from the region, were no longer a couple.
Boyfriend Heard by Police
The case is currently under investigation by the Polícia Judiciária (PJ), after being initially handled by the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR), which conducted searches for a few days without success.
PJ inspectors have already interrogated several people, including Francisca’s alleged boyfriend. After providing his statement to the PJ, the man was released but had his cell phone confiscated.
Neighbors reported seeing a “suspicious trio” at Francisca’s door on the day of her disappearance and around the time her phone stopped signaling.
It is known that the trio consists of two men and a woman.
Neighbors Fear the Worst
In an interview, neighbors of the Brazilian immigrant expressed their deep concern over the disappearance. They do not believe she disappeared voluntarily, as she had life plans in Portugal.
Francisca had recently obtained a residence permit, worked at the local restaurant Tábua D’Aço, was preparing to obtain a driver’s license, and planned to travel in the upcoming months to Maranhão, Brazil, her birthplace, to visit family.
Brother Arrived in Portugal and Disposed of Some of Francisca’s Belongings
Francisca’s brother, Antônio Santos, has arrived in Portugal and started disposing of some of her belongings, raising suspicion among neighbors.
Antônio denies any connection between the disappearance and a debt, which has since been settled, describing the situation as a moment of “anguish.”
“We are in a moment of anguish, waiting at any moment for an outcome, an information that can comfort our hearts,” he stated, mentioning that he is in Portugal to gather more information about the case.
Regarding Francisca’s alleged boyfriend, the brother disclosed that he has sent “audio messages” to their mother but did not respond to text messages.
Antônio ensures no one blames him for the situation.
Concerning the sale and donation of some of Francisca’s belongings, Antônio explained that the landlord required the apartment to be vacated within three days. “Thus, yesterday we had to move out to hand over the apartment, as demanded by the landlord,” he further explained.
In a small town like Tabuaço, there are several rumors. Reports mention a debt of 6,000 euros, which Francisca had borrowed, confirmed by Antônio but stated to be “resolved” and “paid to Luís.”
“I believe it has nothing to do with her disappearance,” he concluded.
Antônio plans to remain in Portugal until there is some breakthrough in his sister’s case.
The family has also sought assistance from Brazilian authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty), the Consulate-General of Brazil in Porto, and the Federal Police.
Itamaraty confirmed that they are monitoring the case through the consulate, maintaining direct contact with the Brazilian woman’s relatives.
Despite all efforts to locate Francisca, she remains missing. Family, friends, and acquaintances have made several appeals on social media. Anyone with more information about the case is urged to contact authorities.
