António Sousa, the brother of a woman missing since June in Tabuaço, Viseu district, stated that he was contacted by alleged kidnappers who demanded a ransom for Francisca.
In an interview with SIC Notícias, Francisca’s brother disclosed that he received a phone call on September 2, between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., asking for about 10,000 euros.
“Initially, it was through a message. A person insisted on speaking with me, and I decided to answer because it might have been news about my sister being found,” said António Sousa.
“It turned out to be supposedly a kidnapper claiming to hold my sister in private captivity. I believe that, to this day, it might be a possibility. He said he wanted a certain amount to release her, as he claimed to be part of a trafficking organization for people and organs. He mentioned that if we didn’t reach an agreement or something similar, he could kill her, return the head, and sell her organs,” he continued.
António Sousa noted that initially, he felt “happy” to receive some news. However, he mentioned that “through the gesture and conversation,” the individual contacting him might be attempting to “take advantage.”
Francisca’s brother also reported that on the day he received the call, he informed the Polícia Judiciária (PJ): “I contacted the PJ and informed them, provided the phone number of this person [the alleged kidnapper]. They are aware of the situation, they know what is happening.”
It was also noted that Francisca’s WhatsApp profile picture disappeared. Her brother stated that her missing phone, which had been lent to her by her boyfriend, Luís de Jesus, is also gone.
He added that the PJ collected his DNA and that he was contacted by the Brazilian Federal Police, who informed him they would do the same with his parents: “This is to be stored in databases in case she appears in another country or is found deceased,” he explained.
Francisca dos Santos has been missing since the night of June 20, when she went out to dispose of the trash in her pajamas. The 44-year-old Brazilian had been living in Portugal for about four years, working at a restaurant in the village of Tabuaço, Viseu district.
All indications suggest that her disappearance was not voluntary, as she left the lights on, the television running, and her documents at home.
Furthermore, Francisca had a booked trip to Brazil to visit her family and had requested a month’s leave from her employers.
The boyfriend of the missing Francisca dos Santos, who disappeared over a month ago in Tabuaço, Viseu, allegedly lied to the Brazilian immigrant. He claimed to be a surgeon at CUF Lisboa but is a street sweeper in Loures. Moreover, he has been living with another woman for 15 years.
