Police in Rio de Janeiro say they are investigating a case in which two British tourists say they lost $21,000 after being drugged and taken away by three women near the beach.
The incident appears to be the latest in a series of such cases that have become known in Brazil as “Goodnight, Cinderella” scams.
One tourist told police he and his friends had a spiked cocktail early Thursday after meeting three women at the bar, CNN Brasil reported. According to a police statement, he said he lost consciousness while heading to the famous Ipanema Beach with the woman.
According to CNN Brasil, the three women were later seen stopping their taxi and leaving the scene.
After witnesses asked for help, British tourists were taken to hospitals and consulted by doctors.
They reported that the woman stole two mobile phones and made a bank transfer of about $21,000, according to CNN Brasil.
Rio de Janeiro Civic Police told CNN that authorities are trying to find the perpetrators and that the Special Tourism Assistance Unit analyzes security footage and interviews witnesses.
The UK Foreign Office warned citizens that Brazilian dating apps were being used by criminals to target foreigners, “leading a surge in drinks from bank accounts, robbery and theft.”
It urges people to be careful and be vigilant about their drinks and belongings.
