Investigation into Missing British Journalist Charlotte Peet Deepens in Brazil

Missing British journalist Charlotte Peet, 32, was last seen on February 8 boarding a bus to Rio de Janeiro from São Paulo. New images show her at a bar near Copacabana beach. Police have confirmed her last known location as Morro da Babilonia and are investigating her disappearance, suggesting it may be voluntary. Her family has been actively involved in providing information to aid the search efforts.

New images have surfaced of missing British journalist Charlotte Peet, who has not been seen since February 8. The 32-year-old was spotted on a bus to Rio de Janeiro and at a bar close to Copacabana beach. Investigators confirmed that Charlotte had boarded a bus from São Paulo, despite earlier contradictory reports regarding her travel plans. The last-known location identified is Morro da Babilonia, a hill in Rio’s Leme neighborhood.

Brazilian media outlet Globo reported that Charlotte was photographed on February 15 at a bar on Gustavo Sampaio Street, which is in proximity to Leme Beach. In previous reports, it was established that she reached Rio on February 8 and subsequently stayed at a hostel in Copacabana until February 17 before moving to a different lodging in Botafogo. How the police pinpointed her last known location remains unclear.

According to sources, police are attempting to track Charlotte’s movements using data from her phones. The inquiry, now handled by the missing persons unit in Rio de Janeiro, suggests a possible voluntary disappearance, as police are working to establish contact through her mobile numbers. Chief Elen Souto stated, “The main line of inquiry is a voluntary disappearance.”

Charlotte Peet had been working as a freelance journalist in Brazil for two years and returned to the country without informing her family. Four days prior to her departure from São Paulo, she posted in a Facebook group seeking accommodation in London. After a friend in Rio expressed concern upon losing contact, her family also reported her missing to the authorities.

Police have searched hospitals and morgues as part of the investigation. Charlotte’s father highlighted his worries regarding her disappearance, noting it was unusual for her not to communicate. He indicated she was traced back to Gatwick Airport, where she boarded her flight to São Paulo. Efforts to engage local police have continued, with her family collaborating by providing necessary documentation, including her bank account information and phone tracking details.

Subsequent reports suggest that Morro da Babilonia has become a safer area for tourists since police intervention, intended to curb violence and drug trafficking. Observations by local residents indicate some residual issues, yet the area has generally become more peaceful following police occupancy.

The ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Charlotte Peet, a British journalist last seen in Rio de Janeiro, reveals new developments in her case. While new sightings provide leads, the circumstances of her disappearance remain a mystery, prompting significant concern from her family and friends. Authorities continue their search efforts as they analyze data from her phones and seek to clarify her movements in the city.

Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk