On Wednesday (3/12), the Civil Police of the Federal District (PCDF) launched Operation The Rock, which dismantled a sophisticated cyber fraud scheme led by a 32-year-old man, born in Benin, Africa, based in Santa Catarina, where he was studying cinema at a federal university.
According to investigations conducted by the Eighth (Structural) Police Station, Honoré Audi used fake accounts on social networking sites, especially on the TikTok application, pretending to be the American actor Dwayne Johnson, known as “The Rock.” Through real photographs, carefully crafted messages and calculated routines of persuasion, the criminal created emotional bonds with victims before commencing emotional and financial blackmail.
The central tactic of the scam was to convince victims that they had been lured to receive an “international prize” worth €800,000, approximately R$4.9 million, which was supposedly sponsored by the actor. As a condition for the release of the amounts, the fraudster demanded successive payments, demanding customs duties, transportation insurance, administrative costs and even mandatory interviews.
Victim D.F
The operation resulted in the execution of two search and seizure warrants, one in Florianópolis and the other in Itajaí, both in Santa Catarina, in addition to a preventive arrest order. This action was supported by the Civil Police of Santa Catarina. Mobile phones, laptops and other devices were collected and are now undergoing forensic examination to identify new victims and map the entire criminal network.
Forged documents, fake photos, and forged receipts enhanced the appearance of legitimacy. The requests were always accompanied by urgent messages, a friendly tone, and an insistence that the award be delivered “soon.”
The investigation began after a resident of Villa Estrutural filed a report. Simple and unemployed, she believed in the promise and sent personal documents to the supposed representative of the actor. Between August 28 and September 15, 2025, the woman made nine transfers via Pix, for a total of R$9.78 thousand.
Transfers made by the victim
- R$ 2.85 thousand – “International Shipping Fee” for the order.
- R$ 1,500 – Alleged accident with the transport company’s truck.
- R$1,000 – Cargo Insurance Supplement.
- R$ 550 — remaining amount to release delivery.
- R$ 1,350 – “mandatory interview” to receive the award.
- 1,530 thousand Brazilian reals – “additional customs duties.”
- Too Much Payment – Small amounts paid after further emotional pressure and promises of immediate release.
Other states
Another victim, from Minas Gerais, lost nearly R$80,000. PCDF highlights that the pattern of business reveals clear criminal recidivism, with simultaneous use of multiple bank accounts, international phone numbers and partial movement of values, making tracing difficult.
The operation resulted in the execution of two search and seizure warrants – one in Florianópolis and the other in Itajaí – as well as a preventive arrest warrant. This action was supported by the Civil Police of Santa Catarina.
Mobile phones, laptops and other devices were collected and are now undergoing forensic examination to identify new victims and map the entire criminal network. The person being investigated will be charged with electronic fraud, and the penalty will be imprisonment from 4 to 8 years, in addition to a fine.