Brazilian Police Arrest Fraudster Posing as Ex-Shakhtar Coach

Brazilian police are investigating a fraud group that impersonated former Shakhtar Donetsk coach Luís Castro to extort money from Grêmio football players via fake messaging profiles. A preventive arrest warrant was issued on September 2 during Operation "Falso 9." The main suspect contacted at least four Grêmio players on WhatsApp using Castro's photo. In one case, the fraudster built trust over several days, praised the player, and requested secrecy before asking for a financial contribution to a fake social project in Rio de Janeiro. A transfer succeeded after initial bank limits blocked it. The scheme later attempted to solicit nearly 8,390 euros for additional food baskets, but daily transaction limits prevented further losses. Police say potential victims included players from other Brazilian clubs, a European team, and a famous artist. Castro coached Shakhtar from 2019 to 2021, winning the Ukrainian championship.