Brazilian stepfather arrested in 22-year sex-slavery case after victim escapes

A man described by some outlets as the Brazilian Joseph Fritzl was arrested in Araucaria, Paraná, after his stepdaughter fled to police alleging a 22-year campaign of abuse that included rape and forcing her to have sex with other men. The 29-year-old victim has not been named publicly. Police said the suspect, 51, kept her confined at their home and monitored her movements with cameras, leaving her little opportunity to leave.

According to investigators, the victim had been abused since age seven and became pregnant at 15 after the man separated from her mother and forced her into a relationship. She bore three children with him, and was also coerced to have sex with other men, with the assaults reportedly recorded on video.

Authorities said the suspect carefully tracked her movements and rarely allowed her to leave the house. When police stormed the home, officers seized cameras and other videos of the alleged abuse on his mobile phone and then arrested him. He is in preventive detention while under investigation on seven charges, including rape, deprivation of liberty, threats and psychological violence. If convicted on all counts, the sentences could exceed 100 years in prison.

The survivor and her three children have been relocated to a safe location as protective measures are considered.

The case unfolded in Araucaria, a city in southern Paraná state. Police Chief Eduardo Kruger confirmed details of the timeline and described the multi-decade abuse, which began in the victim's childhood and escalated after she turned 15. The investigation has focused on the suspect's control methods and the involvement of other men.

Brazil has grappled with high-profile cases of domestic abuse, and authorities emphasize the importance of legal remedies and survivor support services.