The 4th Federal Criminal Court of São Paulo commenced hearings on Monday, May 5th, 2025, in one of the most controversial criminal cases involving foreign nationals in recent years. The matter involves two international “dating coaches” and a Brazilian self-styled “men’s mentor,” all accused of organizing a seduction-focused course in São Paulo in 2023. The criminal charges brought against them fall under the category of facilitação da prostituição (facilitation of prostitution), as defined in Brazilian criminal law. The case is being handled by the judiciary with significant media scrutiny, reflecting its complex factual background and potential implications regarding consent, international movement, and digital influence.

According to the information disclosed by the Federal Regional Court of the 3rd Region (TRF-3), the hearings have formally begun and are set to continue until July 2025. This phase includes the collection of witness testimonies and further interrogations of the defendants. The proceedings aim to clarify whether the activities promoted by the group in Brazil—under the guise of a dating mentorship—were, in fact, legally permissible or if they crossed into illicit territory under Brazilian criminal statutes and child protection laws.

The Brazilian defendant, Fabrício Castro, who referred to himself as a “men’s mentor,” was the local signatory of the lease contract for a mansion in the Morumbi neighborhood of São Paulo, where a large party was held as part of the course’s activities. Notably, according to judicial records, Castro was required to surrender his passport to the Federal Police at the end of 2024. However, having failed to comply, his arrest was ordered in March 2025. With the warrant unfulfilled and the defendant residing abroad, Brazilian authorities now consider him a fugitive from justice. The presiding judge highlighted in a ruling that Castro’s unauthorized stay outside national territory demonstrates a disregard for the justice system and confirms the risk of flight that justified the imposition of precautionary measures.

Despite his fugitive status, Castro has continued to be active on social media. He has published travel content from countries including Cambodia, Spain, and Thailand, even as Interpol has been notified of the arrest warrant. The Federal Police noted in a public statement that they cannot execute passport seizures outside Brazilian territory.

The case also involves two foreign nationals: Chinese citizen Ziqiang Ke, known online as Mike Pickupalpha, and American citizen Mark Thomas Firestone, who has operated under the aliases David Bond and Steven Mapel. The event at the Morumbi mansion was promoted under the brand “Millionaire Social Circle,” and aimed at foreign men seeking dating experiences with Brazilian women. Materials released by the group included video footage and promotional messaging referencing “adventures with curvy and passionate women in Brazil.”

Concerns escalated when it was discovered that underage girls were present at the party. One 17-year-old was identified by her father in footage from the event. She confirmed having met one of the mentors online, traveling with him, and appearing in videos posted publicly. Another teenager admitted to consuming alcohol and engaging in sexual activity with a course participant, although she later stated she was unaware that the group was conducting a course at the time.

The course’s materials included suggestions to pack items such as emergency contraceptives, condoms, and pheromone sprays for travel to Brazil. These details, along with the use of hidden cameras in various countries and the use of content from unwitting participants, raise significant legal questions concerning privacy, consent, and the international dissemination of sensitive material.

In this high-stakes context, I, Dr. Mauricio Ejchel, am honored to serve as legal counsel representing the interests of Mr. Mark Firestone in the ongoing proceedings. Alongside my colleague, attorney Ana Carolina Moreira Santos, we issued an official statement to the press emphasizing the lack of evidentiary support behind the accusations against our client. We stated:

“The opening of the hearings and depositions makes it evident that the accusations against Mark Firestone do not stand. The testimonies gathered so far demonstrate that the charges are based on a misinterpretation of the facts, especially regarding his alleged role. Mr. Firestone remains confident that the continuation of the legal proceedings, through further testimonies and the presentation of evidence, will confirm his innocence.”

Our defense is firmly grounded in the legal principle of presumption of innocence, supported by procedural integrity, international cooperation frameworks, and the constitutional guarantees afforded by both Brazilian and international human rights law.

This matter has garnered widespread public and institutional attention due to its intersection of criminal law, digital evidence, cross-border conduct, and gender dynamics. It stands as a powerful example of how international legal defense must be conducted with both technical rigor and human responsibility.

The original article, as published by the Brazilian media outlet G1, is accessible in full at: 🔗 https://g1.globo.com/sp/sao-paulo/noticia/2025/05/06/coaches-estrangeiros-de-cursos-de-conquista-comecam-a-ser-julgados-em-sp-brasileiro-mentor-de-homens-tem-prisao-decretada.ghtml

As the proceedings evolve, I will continue to advocate for transparency, procedural fairness, and the rigorous protection of my client’s rights before the Brazilian judiciary.