What Is the 'Goodnight Cinderella' Scam? UK Tourists Drugged and Mugged in Brazil — Here's What Happened

A 21-year-old British engineering student collapsed unconscious on Rio de Janeiro's Ipanema Beach after accepting a drug-laced caipirinha, waking hours later in hospital to discover criminals had drained £16,000 from his bank account.

The victim, who was holidaying with a friend, had spent the evening dancing samba when three Brazilian women approached offering drinks. Within minutes of consuming the cocktail, he staggered and lost consciousness in what police have confirmed as a 'Goodnight Cinderella' attack — a terrifying scam sweeping through Brazil's tourist hotspots.

What Is the 'Goodnight Cinderella' Scam?

The term 'Goodnight Cinderella', or 'Boa Noite Cinderela' in Portuguese, describes a sinister crime where perpetrators spike victims' drinks with potent sedatives, including GHB, Rohypnol, or scopolamine. These substances rapidly incapacitate victims, causing complete memory blackouts and paralysing motor control, leaving them utterly defenceless with no recollection of events.

Video footage that went viral on social media captured the moment the British student collapsed, leading to the swift arrest of Amanda Couto Deloca, 23, Mayara Ketelyn Américo da Silva, 26, and Raiane Campos de Oliveira, 27. Notably, Campos de Oliveira had previous convictions for identical offences.

A local delivery driver who filmed the incident potentially saved the student's life by alerting emergency services and assisting the police in identifying the suspects. Both victims' mobile phones were also stolen during the attack.

Recent Victim: British Student Drugged on Ipanema Beach

In a disturbing incident at Rio de Janeiro's famed Ipanema Beach, a 21-year-old British engineering student collapsed in the sand after being given a drug-laced caipirinha, in what authorities now confirm as a 'Goodnight Cinderella' scam.

Accompanied by a friend, the victim had spent the evening dancing samba and socialising when three women offered the drinks. Shortly thereafter, the student staggered and lost consciousness.

He later awoke in hospital to find around £16,000 had been withdrawn from his account and both his and his friend's phones had been stolen.

Police identified the suspects via viral video footage showing the incident on Ipanema Beach. The trio, Amanda Couto Deloca (23), Mayara Ketelyn Américo da Silva (26) and Raiane Campos de Oliveira (27), were arrested. Notably, Campos de Oliveira has a prior conviction for a similar offence.

A local delivery driver who filmed the scene intervened, alerting emergency services and assisting police in identifying the suspects, potentially preventing more severe consequences.

A Fatal Case: Minnesota Businessman's Mysterious Death

The scam turned deadly last August when D'wayne Antonio Morris, a 43-year-old businessman from Minnesota, was discovered dead in his Copacabana flat just one day after arriving in Rio.

Brazilian authorities allege Letícia Clara Bento da Silva, 23, and an accomplice drugged Morris with what investigators believe was GHB. The substance triggered severe convulsions and respiratory failure, ultimately causing his death. The suspects allegedly fled with his belongings whilst he lay dying.

Da Silva has been arrested and now faces murder charges, while the US Consulate in Rio has offered consular support to Morris's family and continues to monitor the investigation.

Why Tourists Are Targets and What You Can Do

Tourists remain frequent targets of these scams due to unfamiliarity with local risks and a trusting tendency when approached by seemingly friendly strangers. Victims often remember little beyond having a drink offered before slipping into unconsciousness.

To protect yourself:

• Never accept drinks from strangers, especially in nightlife settings.
• Keep your drink in sight at all times.
• Stay with trusted companions and avoid being separated.
• Be aware of any sudden feelings of dizziness or confusion, and seek medical attention immediately.

Escalating Concern: 'Queen of Goodnight Cinderella' Nabbed

In another high-profile case in July 2025, authorities arrested Francini Demétrio Sitas (23), dubbed the 'Queen of Goodnight Cinderella.'

A known escort, she allegedly drugged, robbed, and assaulted a French tourist, swiping over £6,680 before he was hospitalised with injuries. Sitas was found in possession of clonazepam, a sedative drug, when apprehended at a tourist hotspot in Rio.

Police hope her arrest will deter similar crimes; multiple victims have since come forward to identify her.

Staying Safe from the 'Goodnight Cinderella' Scam

The 'Goodnight Cinderella' scam is not an isolated phenomenon. It is a persistent and dangerous threat to tourists in Brazil. From Stockholm-educated Brits collapsing on sandy shores to high-profile fatalities, the pattern is clear and alarming.

Staying vigilant, avoiding unsolicited drinks, and remaining alert are essential travel precautions. Should anything feel off, even just a little disorienting, it is always wise to seek help immediately. Knowledge and caution can be your most powerful safeguard.