A Brazilian passport belonging to Eliza Silva Samudio was found in an apartment in Portugal and handed over to Brazilian authorities. The discovery was first reported by portal Leo Dias and later confirmed by the Brazilian Consulate-General in Portugal as well as Eliza’s mother, Sônia Moura.
The Itamaraty Ministry clarified that the passport is expired and canceled. They also noted it will remain available for the family if they wish to take possession of it.
Details on Where the Passport Was Found
The passport was located "hidden or forgotten" among books in a rented apartment at the end of last year. A man named José discovered the document and delivered it to the Brazilian Consulate in Lisbon. Official sources verified the passport’s authenticity and confirmed no duplicate was ever issued.
José lives in the apartment with his wife and daughter, along with two other tenants. He said he found the passport while inspecting books in a shared living space. José shared his reaction: "When I found the document and saw who it belonged to, since it was a person involved in a case with great repercussion in Brazil and worldwide, I was shocked. By the photo, I already knew who the owner was."
Passport Journey and Legal Context
The passport shows an entry stamp into Portugal in 2007 but no record of exit, raising questions about how Eliza returned to Brazil. Brazilian court records state that Eliza was murdered three years later. It is speculated that she may have lost the original passport and obtained special authorization to return home.
Background on the Case Involving Eliza Samudio
This passport discovery emerges 15 years after Eliza Samudio’s widely publicized case. The former football goalkeeper Bruno Fernandes was sentenced to over 20 years in prison for his involvement. Investigations revealed that Eliza was held captive at Bruno’s rural property near Belo Horizonte before her murder. Her body was never recovered.
Court testimonies indicate Eliza and her son with Bruno remained confined at the property days before she was taken to another city where she was killed. Bruno was convicted of homicide, concealment of a corpse, kidnapping, and illegal imprisonment. He transitioned to a semi-open regime in 2018 and has been on parole since January.
Next Steps and Family Response
Sônia Moura, Eliza’s mother, acknowledged the passport’s discovery but stated she will comment further after conducting a thorough analysis alongside legal advisors. The Consulate-General in Portugal officially notified Itamaraty upon receiving the document and is now awaiting instructions on subsequent procedures.
This finding brings renewed attention to a tragic case that remains emblematic in Brazil. The passport serves as a tangible link to Eliza Samudio’s story, opening avenues for family closure and official action regarding the document’s custody.
Read more at: oglobo.globo.com
