April 30th 2024.
Regina Gonçalves, an 88-year-old multi-millionaire, recently made headlines after revealing that she had been held captive by her own driver for two years. It was a shocking revelation that left many wondering how such a thing could happen to someone of her status and wealth.
According to Regina, her former driver, José Chaves, kept her apart from her family for a decade and then held her captive in her own home for two years. She managed to escape in January, slipping out of the back door of her home in Copacabana, Brazil and seeking refuge with her brother. In an interview with Folha de São Paulo, she described her escape as a daring feat, saying, "I got up, picked up my bag and walked out the back door. He wanted to follow, but I walked faster than him."
Since her escape, Regina has returned to her apartment, but Chaves has been ordered to stay 250ft away from her at all times. However, she claims that he is still in control of her assets and has been using them for his own gain. According to her, he has sold off her $1.9 million jewelry collection, sold a mansion below market value, and emptied her bank account.
Regina's story is a tragic one, especially considering her past as a successful businesswoman and socialite. She was married to Nestor Gonçalves, the owner of Copag, a card-making company, and inherited his fortune after he passed away. Her current net worth is estimated at $500 million. However, her lavish lifestyle and frequent parties suddenly came to an end in May 2022, and her family became concerned when she stopped responding to calls and messages. Chaves would often communicate on her behalf, claiming that she was unwell.
Regina first hired Chaves in 2011, after he was recommended by friends. But according to Diário do Rio online news portal, the two got married in 2021, and Chaves began plotting to steal her fortune. However, Regina denies that they were ever married, stating, "He was never my husband, he was a chauffeur. I am the widow of the great businessman Nestor Gonçalves."
Her family and friends believe that Chaves subjected her to psychological and domestic violence and threatened her. In a video entered in court, it was revealed that Regina and Chaves had agreed to assume guardianship and legal representation over each other in case one of them became mentally incapable. However, her family believes that she was coerced into this agreement after being drugged by Chaves.
Regina's nephew, Álvaro O'Hara, tried to report his concerns to the police after she gave him a note begging for help. However, he was stopped by one of Chaves' "henchmen," who followed him to the police station. Since then, O'Hara claims that there have been three attempts on his life. He says, "My aunt lived coerced, oppressed and humiliated in a private prison. She suffered all types of psychological and physical violence."
It's a shocking and heartbreaking story, and it serves as a reminder that anyone can fall victim to manipulation and abuse, regardless of their wealth or status. Regina's ordeal has finally come to an end, and she is now reunited with her friends and family. But the scars of her captivity will likely stay with her for a long time.
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