A Brazilian national accused of performing cosmetic procedures without a medical license in Miami disappeared days before his scheduled trial, according to court documents and authorities. Joao Batista Cunha De Araujo, 57, faces 14 charges, including 13 felonies, involving alleged theft, fraud and unlicensed medical practice. His ankle monitor reportedly issued a tamper alert on Aug. 1, and officers could not find him at his last known home. Authorities believe he may have left the United States, although his whereabouts have not been confirmed.
The case began after anonymous tips prompted an undercover operation at Araujo’s Miami-area office. Investigators allege that at least one patient suffered injuries after receiving cosmetic injections, while state health officials confirmed that Araujo and his wife, Amanda Soares Felizardo Ungaro, did not hold Florida medical licenses.
A Miami judge revoked Araujo’s house arrest and issued a new warrant authorizing full extradition. His attorney said Araujo had pleaded not guilty and that he had intended to challenge the allegations before making himself unavailable.
| 1) | The defendant and the charges |
| 2) | How authorities say he disappeared |
| 3) | The investigation into unlicensed procedures |
| 4) | The reported patient injury |
| 5) | The defense and possible location |
The defendant and the charges
Joao Batista Cunha De Araujo, 57, is accused of carrying out plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures in the Miami area without the credentials required to practice medicine. Prosecutors charged him with 14 offenses, 13 of them felonies, involving allegations of theft, fraud and unlicensed medical practice. The charges were filed in Miami-Dade County after investigators received information about his activities.
Araujo became known among critics by the nickname “Dr. Frankenstein,” but that label is not a formal legal designation. The allegations remain unproven, and he entered a plea of not guilty before the case was scheduled for trial.
How authorities say he disappeared
Araujo had surrendered his passport under a court order and was placed on an ankle monitor while awaiting trial. According to court documents, the device generated a tamper alert on Saturday, Aug. 1, three days before the scheduled start of proceedings.
Two officers went to his last known location in a high-rise building on Bay Harbor Islands, north of Miami Beach, but could not find him or the monitor. The judge then revoked his house arrest and issued a new warrant authorizing full extradition. A video posted to his wife’s Instagram story appeared to show a man resembling Araujo, but investigators had not established when or where it was recorded.
The investigation into unlicensed procedures
The investigation followed two anonymous tips that led authorities to conduct a sting operation at Araujo’s office. An undercover detective reportedly sought a consultation for chin liposuction and was given a price quote for the procedure, according to the arrest warrant.
The Florida Department of Health told investigators that neither Araujo nor Ungaro held a medical license in the state. Investigators also cited photographs and video materials that they said linked Araujo to cosmetic treatments, including a laser facial-lifting procedure. Ungaro, 41, was named as a co-defendant and faced seven charges.
The reported patient injury
Court documents describe injuries allegedly suffered by a patient identified as “AJ.” The woman told police that she visited Araujo for lip and jaw filler and was injected with 17 bottles during one appointment.
The filler reportedly hardened and left lumps in her lips, jaw and cheekbone. She initially paid $15,000, although the amount was later reduced to $7,000, according to the complaint. After the complications developed, she sought treatment from a licensed plastic surgeon. The documents do not establish the final medical outcome.
The defense and possible location
Mark Eiglarsh, Araujo’s attorney, said he was still reviewing evidence and believed the trial date likely would have been postponed. He said his client had been prepared to contest the prosecution’s case.
“My client previously entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, and I was prepared to vigorously challenge the allegations brought by the prosecution,” Eiglarsh said. “For reasons unknown to me, he has chosen to make himself unavailable to continue fighting for his innocence. If he ever reappears, I will continue to fight zealously on his behalf.”
Araujo had previously asked to return to Brazil while awaiting trial, but Judge Tanya Brinkley denied that request because of concerns that he might not return to Florida. Reports citing people familiar with the case said he was believed to have gone to Brazil, though authorities had not publicly confirmed that location. Officials referred questions about his whereabouts to the U.S. Marshals Service and Brazilian authorities.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Araujo faces 14 charges, including 13 felonies. |
| 2 | His ankle monitor issued a tamper alert before trial. |
| 3 | Florida officials said neither defendant held a medical license. |
| 4 | A patient reported lumps and hardened filler after injections. |
Summary
The disappearance places Araujo outside the court’s immediate control as prosecutors pursue serious allegations involving unlicensed cosmetic procedures, fraud and theft. Authorities have issued a new warrant and authorized extradition, but his location and the circumstances of his departure remain unresolved. The criminal charges have not been proven, and any future proceedings will depend on whether he is located and returned to Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does Joao Batista Cunha De Araujo face?
He faces 14 charges in Miami-Dade County, including 13 felonies related to alleged theft, fraud and practicing medicine without a license.
Why did authorities issue a new arrest warrant?
Authorities said his ankle monitor generated a tamper alert and officers could not locate him or the device at his last known residence. His house arrest was subsequently revoked.
Where is Araujo believed to be?
Reports citing people familiar with the case said he may have traveled to Brazil, but authorities had not publicly confirmed his whereabouts.