Arthur Case: MP accuses man of creating fake PIX key to divert donations for treatment of child with rare disease
A man has been charged in São Paulo for creating a fake PIX key to steal donations intended for a child's medical treatment.
The Public Prosecutor's Office of São Paulo has charged a 22-year-old man, Henrique Santos de Moreira, with fraud after he allegedly created a fake PIX key to misappropriate donations meant for Arthur Jordão Lara, a child suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy in Sorocaba, São Paulo. The accused registered the fraudulent key, salve@arthursorocaba.com, which closely mimicked the official key shared by the child's family on social media, salve@arthursorocaba.com.br. This deception led donors to unknowingly send funds to the accused instead of the intended charity campaign.
The criminal act has drawn attention not only due to the nature of the fraud but also because it exploits a sensitive situation involving a sick child. One notable incident cited in the prosecution's documentation is a donation of R$ 50 made by a victim who believed they were contributing to Arthur's treatment on November 11, 2025. Such fraudulent schemes raise serious ethical concerns and highlight the vulnerabilities in charitable giving, especially in urgent health crises where families are already under significant stress.
The case has become a rallying point for vigilance in online donations, with the family of Arthur issuing warnings to potential donors and emphasizing the correct PIX key for contributions. As the story unfolds, it raises questions about regulatory oversight of digital payment systems and the necessity for greater awareness among the public regarding the legitimacy of charitable campaigns and the means by which they solicit funds.