- Brazilian lawyer Gabriela Vieira Serafin, known online as 'Advogata', is wanted by police for her alleged involvement in organized crime and drug trafficking.
- Prosecutors filed formal charges against Serafin on June 10, but details remain under judicial secrecy.
- A police raid on Serafin's home uncovered electronic devices, believed to contain evidence linking her to the criminal organization.
FLORIANOPOLIS, BRAZIL — A Brazilian lawyer known for reenacting criminal cases online is now wanted by police after prosecutors formally filed charges against her in an organized crime and drug trafficking investigation.
Gabriela Vieira Serafin, known online as “Advogata,” was first identified as a target after police searched her home over suspected ties to criminal groups. At that time, she had not been formally charged. Authorities have now taken the case further, filing charges on June 10.
The exact charges have not been made public because the court proceedings remain under judicial secrecy.
Police First Searched Lawyer’s Home
Serafin became the target of a police investigation into suspected drug trafficking in the Tapera area of Florianopolis.
During an earlier search of her home, officers recovered electronic devices, including cell phones, SIM cards, USB drives, and memory cards, according to initial reports. Some of the items were reportedly found hidden inside a child’s glove in a bedroom.
Serafin was not at the property during the search.
Her mother reportedly told investigators that the devices belonged to her. Serafin’s stepfather was briefly detained and later released.
During the search, police found two cell phones, SIM cards, USB drives, and memory cards. The items were reportedly hidden inside a child’s glove in her bedroom. Her mother, who was at the home during the raid, told investigators the items belonged to Serafin.
Her stepfather was also at the property. He was briefly detained and later released.
Forensic experts are now checking the seized devices to see if they contain evidence tied to the investigation.
Arrest Warrant Issued in April
A court issued a temporary arrest warrant for Serafin in April as part of the investigation.
Authorities have not found her, and reports now describe her as wanted by police.
The warrant was connected to an investigation into organized crime and drug trafficking. Police have not publicly disclosed where they believe she may be staying.
Alleged Role in Criminal Organization
Investigators allege Serafin was among the leaders of a group involved in selling drugs in the Tapera area.
The investigation was part of Operation Quebra de Comando, which was launched after about a year of police work.
Authorities said the operation was aimed at dismantling a criminal organization and identifying suspected drug sellers, intermediaries, and people who handled the group’s transportation and logistics.
Police reportedly carried out about 30 search and arrest warrants and detained 15 people during the operation. Serafin was not found.
Formal Charges Filed
Prosecutors filed charges against Serafin on June 10.
Because the case remains under judicial secrecy, officials have not released a complete list of the alleged offenses included in the filing.
The new development marks a major change from the earlier stage of the case, when Serafin was only under investigation and had not been formally accused in court.
She has not been convicted of any crime.
Defense Disputes Allegations
Serafin’s lawyers said they would not discuss the full case because the proceedings are sealed.
The defense stressed that no court has convicted Serafin and argued that the investigation relies on interpretations of conversations recovered from phones seized from other people.
Her lawyers also said investigators have not presented messages directly attributed to Serafin.
The defense further stated that police did not find illegal drugs or other unlawful materials during the search of her home. Any challenge to the arrest warrant will be made through the courts, her lawyers said.
Known for Online Crime Videos
Before the investigation, Serafin gained more than 32,000 Instagram followers by posting informal videos about criminal cases and life inside the justice system.
Her videos often covered drug trafficking, police raids, gang conflicts, and cases involving people she represented.
In one video, she discussed a client accused of trying to fly from Florianopolis to Paris with cocaine hidden inside a shoe.
Other clips included reenactments of drug arrests, home invasions, gang rivalries, and alleged police misconduct.
Case Remains Under Secrecy
Serafin remains wanted as the case moves through the Brazilian court system.
Authorities have not announced whether she has contacted police or arranged to surrender. They have also not publicly released all the evidence they say connects her to the alleged trafficking group.
Her defense maintains that the accusations have not been proven and that only a court can decide whether the evidence supports the claims.
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