Parents were paid up to R$ 3,000 to allow children to live with Hytalo Santos

Parents of teenagers received a monthly payment between R$ 2,000 and R$ 3,000 to allow their children to live in the house of digital influencer Hytalo Santos, in João Pessoa (PB), according to Fantástico’s report. The payment, considered as an ‘allowance’, was part of the scheme now being investigated by the Public Ministry of Labor of Paraíba and the Civil Police. Last Friday (15), Hytalo and his husband, Israel Nata Vicente, were arrested in São Paulo (SP), accused of human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors. Despite the allowance paid to the families (mostly from Cajazeiras, the influencer’s hometown), child welfare counselors say they have never received formal complaints from parents. The report revealed that former employees were anonymously heard by the Public Ministry of Labor of Paraíba and the Civil Police. According to reports, the young people living in the residence were subjected to strict rules imposed by Hytalo, who decided when they could eat, sleep, or even use the cell phone. One of the former employees said that he filmed to show the children going to school, but often, after turning off the camera, that was not what happened. If they went to school and an agenda came up, they ‘would simply go there to pick up the child’. The complaints also describe frequent parties, with alcoholic drinks available for teenagers without restrictions. A former employee reported that the house had poor hygiene conditions and that the teenagers were left without proper nutrition, always depending on Hytalo’s permission to eat. According to the Public Ministry, the situation was similar to that of a reality show. The teenagers recorded daily videos, often with sensual choreographies, which were posted on social media. The result was a high profit through advertising, raffles, and online giveaways. Investigations indicate that one of the teenagers became pregnant and lost the baby during the time she lived in the house. Another concern was the affected school attendance, with constant absences and up to 50 days of absence to accompany recording trips. Allegations Initially, Hytalo taught dance classes in public squares and gained popularity on the internet with videos of teenagers. As his fame grew, he began to flaunt luxury cars and mansions. According to Fantástico, former employees claim that he received large amounts of cash and jewelry, but the defense denies any irregularities. The case was reported by YouTuber Felca and subsequently, platforms blocked the monetization of Hytalo’s profiles. TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram confirmed the suspension, but did not explain why the accounts remained active until national repercussions. The couple was arrested last Friday (15) and at the time of the arrest, four cellphones were found. Detective Fernando Davi said they knew the arrest warrant would be issued and the suspicion is that they planned to escape. Lawyers, on the other hand, claim that the couple was merely touring in São Paulo and characterize the arrest as disproportionate. For the Public Ministry of Paraíba and the Public Ministry of Labor, however, there is consistent evidence of exploitation. According to the prosecutors, teenagers were lured in different cities, taken to João Pessoa, and subjected to forced labor. After the arrest, they returned to their families.