A woman in Brazil allegedly brought her deceased uncle to a bank on Apr. 16, 2024, to secure a 17,000 reais (S$4,400) loan.

Concerned bank employees recorded a video of the woman holding the unresponsive man's head and hand and attempting to make him sign the loan documents.

The woman, identified as Erika de Souza Vieira Nunes, was later arrested on charges of fraud and violation of a corpse, according to reports from Brazilian media outlets G1, O Dia and UOL Notícias.

Held his head upright and told him to sign papers

Nunes allegedly brought the body of 68-year-old Paulo Roberto Braga in a wheelchair to a bank in Bangu, a neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro.

She tried to get him to sign the loan papers by holding his head upright and using a pen to guide his hand.

Bank employees became suspicious and recorded a video of Nunes speaking to the unresponsive Braga, who had his eyes closed and a pale complexion.

"Uncle, are you listening? You need to sign," she said, according to Reuters.

"He doesn't say anything, that's just how he is," she said, adding, "If you're not okay, I'm going to take you to the hospital."

The bank staff then called the police and ambulance, and Nunes was arrested at the scene.

Arrived alive at bank: Defence

Police investigations later revealed surveillance footage showing Nunes and a driver helping Braga out of a vehicle at a parking lot near the bank.

Braga appeared unresponsive in the footage.

Police chief Fábio Luiz told G1 that Braga was already deceased when he arrived at the bank.

Police forensic analysis reportedly determined he had died earlier while lying down.

However, Nunes' lawyer asserted that Nunes believed Braga was alive when they arrived.

The lawyer also mentioned that Nunes was taking medication for psychological treatment and may have experienced an episode that day.

The chief added that investigations are ongoing and other family members are being identified.

Top photos via @fascinating020/TikTok and G1