Brazilian social media star taken into custody for alleged involvement in child trafficking and sexual abuse of minors
Brazilian Influencer Hytalo Santos Accused of Child Trafficking and Exploitation
Hytalo Santos, a popular Brazilian influencer, found himself at the centre of a major controversy in August 2025. Along with his husband, Israel Nata Vicente, Santos was arrested in Carapicuíba, São Paulo, following an extensive investigation initiated by fellow influencer Felipe Bressanim Pereira, known as Felca.
The investigation, which gained significant public attention, led to the suspension of Santos’s social media profiles, the demonetization of his content involving minors, and a court order prohibiting any contact with minors or their families. Santos and his husband are currently in detention as the legal proceedings continue[1][2][4][5].
The accusations against Santos include human trafficking and child sexual exploitation. According to Estadao, Santos referred to the minors as "children", to whom he offered financial support, housing, food, and education, in exchange for participation in his videos. The term "adultization", which refers to the early exposure of children to behaviors, responsibilities, and demands incompatible with their age, has been a key point in the case.
Santos, who gained popularity and income through the promotion of dance videos on the internet, often featuring minors in inappropriate clothing, vehemently denies any wrongdoing. He spoke out about the accusations for the first time the day before his arrest, asserting his innocence and claiming that he always acted within the law[3].
However, the Justice had previously determined the suspension of Santos’s social media, the demonetization of his videos, the prohibition of contact with minors, and the seizure of electronic devices. Investigations into Santos began in 2024 following denunciations from neighbours and anonymous messages. The Abrinq Foundation, a Brazilian organization, provided the definition of "adultization" used in this context[6].
The video by YouTuber Felca, titled "Adultização", has reignited the debate on this topic in Brazil. The video shows minors attending parties with alcohol consumption and participating in dance recordings with sensual connotations for social media. The case has sparked widespread debate in Brazil, with public figures and organizations involved in combating child sexual abuse praising the exposure. Furthermore, legislative initiatives inspired by Felca’s video—referred to as the Lei Felca ("Felca Law")—have been proposed in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies to address similar issues[1].
Lawyers for Santos classified the arrest as an "extreme measure" and announced their intention to appeal in court. The case against Hytalo Santos is ongoing, with the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Paraíba and the Ministry of Labor in Brazil investigating the allegations[7].
[1] Estadao.com.br, "Hytalo Santos, influenciador brasileiro, é preso pela Polícia Federal por suposto tráfico de menores e exploração sexual" [2] G1.globo.com, "Hytalo Santos e Israel Nata Vicente presos por suspeita de tráfico de menores e exploração sexual em vídeos" [3] UOL.com.br, "Hytalo Santos nega envolvimento em exploração de menores e garante atuar dentro da lei" [4] Folha.uol.com.br, "Hytalo Santos e Israel Nata Vicente presos pela Polícia Federal por suspeita de tráfico de menores e exploração sexual" [5] CNNbrasil.com.br, "Hytalo Santos e Israel Nata Vicente presos por investigação da Polícia Federal por suposto tráfico de menores e exploração sexual" [6] Abrinq.org.br, "Definição de Adultização" [7] Globo.com, "Hytalo Santos e Israel Nata Vicente presos: os fatos"
- The ongoing legal proceedings against Brazilian influencer Hytalo Santos, who was accused of child trafficking and sexual exploitation, have prompted discussions in the realms of policy-and-legislation, politics, and general-news.
- The alleged crimes committed by Hytalo Santos, involving human trafficking, child exploitation, and the concept of "adultization", have not only made headlines in crime-and-justice sections but have also sparked debates about the protection of minors online.
