A 37-year-old woman has been arrested in Brazil after allegedly posing as a 12-year-old girl and convincing a couple to adopt and care for her for approximately 14 months.

According to authorities, the suspect used the name “Gabriele” and reportedly claimed she had fled an abu$ive situation in the northern state of Pará. Based on her story, a family in the Pirabeiraba district of Joinville took her into their home.

Investigators allege that the woman went to considerable lengths to maintain the deception, including behaving like a child and reportedly drinking from a baby bottle. The family is said to have believed her claims and even celebrated her birthday during the time she lived with them.

The unusual case came to light when police arrested the suspect at the family’s residence on June 2.

Authorities further stated that the woman had allegedly attempted a similar deception in the past before adopting the identity of “Gabriele.”

The case has attracted widespread attention in Brazil, with many people questioning how the deception was sustained for more than a year. Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and any possible offenses committed during the period.