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Saturday, Jun 27, 2026

Mystery Surrounds Death of Brazilian Woman with iPhones Glued to Her Body

A 20-year-old woman died on a bus in Brazil, reportedly carrying 26 iPhones glued to her skin, raising suspicions of smuggling.
In a perplexing incident, a 20-year-old woman in Brazil died while traveling on a bus from Foz do Iguaçu to São Paulo.

According to passenger accounts, the woman, who was traveling alone, became unwell during the journey on July 29.

At a stop in Guarapuava, Paraná, she reported experiencing breathing difficulties, prompting the call for emergency services.

Despite the arrival of paramedics who attempted to administer care, her condition deteriorated, leading to a seizure.

It was reported that after about 45 minutes of resuscitation efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the medical response, emergency personnel discovered 26 iPhones affixed to the woman’s body, concealed in packages glued to her skin.

Additionally, bottles of liquor were recovered from her luggage.

The Paraná Civil Police are currently investigating the case and are awaiting forensic analysis to determine the underlying causes of her breathing difficulties and subsequent cardiac arrest.

The 26 iPhones have been confiscated and handed over to Brazil's Federal Revenue Service for further examination.

Authorities have noted that Brazil has a significant black market for smartphones, particularly those smuggled from neighboring countries, such as Paraguay.

Reports indicate that there has been a notable increase in the seizure of black market iPhones in Brazil, with a 25% rise recorded from January to May of this year.

It is estimated that approximately 10,000 mobile phones are smuggled into Brazil on a daily basis, with a recent incident involving the recovery of 196 smartphones from a hidden compartment in a truck on the Friendship Bridge connecting Brazil and Paraguay.

Claudio Marques, a deputy delegate of Brazil's Federal Revenue Service, highlighted that smugglers often transport devices in small quantities, distributing them throughout Brazil to evade detection.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young woman's death continues, with authorities looking for clarity on her tragic fate.
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