Brasília: Newly surfaced footage shows British journalist Charlotte Peet checking out of a hostel in Brazil after being reported missing.
Surveillance Video Shows Charlotte
Charlotte, 32, was last seen on Monday at a hostel in Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro. CCTV footage shows her returning bedsheets and waiting in the lobby. She was dressed in a white top, carrying a black backpack, a smaller black bag, and a blue plastic bag. The video confirms she was alive and moving freely at that time. Local media reported she had stayed at the hostel for a week.
Journalist Reported Missing
Charlotte was reported missing two weeks ago after she stopped responding to messages from friends and family in England. She had flown to Brazil without informing her family. On February 8, she messaged a friend in Rio saying she was in São Paulo and planned to visit. She asked to stay with the friend, but the home was full. After she stopped replying, her friend grew concerned.
Police Begin Investigation
The friend contacted Brazilian police on February 17, launching an official investigation. Officers used GPS tracking and security footage to trace her movements. Charlotte took a bus from São Paulo’s Tietê Bus Terminal on February 8 before arriving in Rio. She stayed in a Copacabana hostel for a week before moving to the Botafogo hostel. Charlotte previously lived in Brazil as a foreign correspondent for two years.
Tracked Movements Confirm Activity
Investigators recovered images from Charlotte’s phone, including a selfie taken on the bus to Rio. Another photo shows her at a beachside bar in Rio’s Leme district on February 15. These findings suggest she was moving freely without signs of distress. The Rio police have taken over the case, focusing on a possible voluntary disappearance.
Phone Records Analyzed
Police chief Elen Souto confirmed that Charlotte has two phone numbers. Her English number remains active, receiving calls and messages. However, her Brazilian number, registered in São Paulo, is programmed to block incoming calls. Authorities are analyzing her phone activity for further clues about her disappearance.
High-Tech Search Efforts
Charlotte’s photos have been submitted to Brazil’s Missing Persons Facial Recognition Programme. This system, run by the Civil and Military Police, scans citywide surveillance footage to locate missing people. Authorities are actively monitoring leads to confirm her exact whereabouts.
Family Grows More Concerned
Charlotte’s family in England remains deeply worried about her well-being. After days of silence, they reached out to her friend, fearing something was wrong. They have yet to receive direct confirmation that she is safe. Their concern has intensified since she traveled without informing them.
Police Investigation Ongoing
Brazilian police are investigating all possibilities but currently suspect Charlotte’s disappearance was intentional. Officers continue reviewing security footage, tracking her phone, and gathering more evidence. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward as the case remains active.
