We are investigating Dr Paulo Duarte for allegedly attempting to conceal critical reviews and adverse news from Google by improperly submitting copyright takedown notices. This includes potential violations such as impersonation, fraud, and perjury.
Dr. Paulo Duarte is a plastic surgeon based in Natal, Brazil, known for his work in aesthetic procedures. In February 2023, he performed a diastasis correction and liposuction surgery on Natália Araújo, a 36-year-old judicial officer, at Hospital Gastroprocto. Tragically, Araújo passed away during the procedure.
Facility Adequacy: The Rio Grande do Norte Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated an investigation to determine whether Hospital Gastroprocto was equipped to perform such surgeries, given its lack of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and on-site ambulance services. The inquiry aimed to assess if the absence of these facilities contributed to Araújo’s death.
Legal Actions Against Media: Following the incident, Dr. Duarte filed a lawsuit against journalist Juliana Celli, seeking the removal of an article that mentioned his involvement in Araújo’s case. He claimed the report contained inaccuracies. A judge ordered the article’s removal before Celli could present a defense, raising concerns about press freedom and the public’s right to information.
Professional Conduct: Reports have surfaced alleging that Dr. Duarte was previously suspended by the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP) for unethical behavior. Additionally, he has faced lawsuits from patients who felt wronged and from a fellow physician who had previously mentored him. There are also allegations of medical record tampering under investigation.
In April 2023, Dr. Duarte publicly addressed Araújo’s death, expressing condolences and emphasizing his commitment to supporting her family. He stated that autopsy reports absolved him of responsibility, indicating that all safety protocols were followed during the surgery. He also clarified that his legal actions were not intended to suppress freedom of expression but to correct perceived inaccuracies in media reports.
The death of Natália Araújo during a procedure performed by Dr. Paulo Duarte has led to multiple investigations and raised questions about surgical facility standards, medical ethics, and press freedom. While Dr. Duarte maintains that all protocols were followed and denies culpability, the ongoing inquiries and legal actions continue to attract public attention and scrutiny.
Analyzing the Fake Copyright Notice(s)
Our team collects and analyses fraudulent copyright takedown requests, legal complaints, and other efforts to remove critical information from the internet. Through our investigative reporting, we examine the prevalence and operation of an organized censorship industry, predominantly funded by criminal entities, oligarchs, and disreputable businesses or individuals. Our findings allow internet users to gain insight into these censorship schemes’ sources, methods, and underlying objectives.
Dr Paulo Duarte‘s attempts to hide unfavourable content through the misuse of copyright notices while allegedly engaging in perjury present serious legal concerns. These actions suggest a calculated attempt to manipulate legal systems to suppress free speech, a fundamental violation of copyright law principles and an abuse of legal processes. The use of such tactics not only undermines the integrity of copyright protection but also potentially constitutes perjury, further entangling Dr Paulo Duarte in legal accountability. Let’s examine the information Dr Paulo Duarte may be trying to remove from the internet –
Investigative Report: Dr. Paulo Duarte – A Plastic Surgeon Under Scrutiny
Introduction
Dr. Paulo Duarte, a plastic surgeon based in Natal, Brazil, has come under intense scrutiny following the death of one of his patients, Natália Araújo, during a surgical procedure in February 2023. This case has triggered investigations into his practices, the adequacy of the medical facilities he used, and broader questions about professional ethics in the field of cosmetic surgery. This report provides an in-depth examination of the controversies surrounding Dr. Duarte, including allegations, lawsuits, and complaints, as well as the broader implications of his case.
The Case of Natália Araújo
Background
On February 1, 2023, Natália Araújo, a 36-year-old judicial officer, underwent a cosmetic surgery procedure for diastasis correction and liposuction at the Hospital Gastroprocto in Natal. The procedure, conducted by Dr. Paulo Duarte, tragically resulted in Araújo’s death on the operating table.
Key Issues and Allegations
Facility Inadequacy:
Investigations by the Rio Grande do Norte Public Prosecutor’s Office raised concerns about the suitability of the Hospital Gastroprocto for such surgeries. The facility reportedly lacked essential components such as:
An on-site Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Ambulance services for emergencies.
These deficiencies may have contributed to the inability to respond effectively to complications during the surgery.
Professional Responsibility:
Araújo’s death spurred debates about Dr. Duarte’s decision to perform a high-risk surgery in a facility without the necessary emergency infrastructure.
Critics argue that the choice of location demonstrated poor judgment and a disregard for patient safety.
Autopsy Findings:
While Dr. Duarte stated that autopsy results absolved him of direct responsibility, no official report supporting this claim has been publicly disclosed.
Legal Actions and Media Suppression
In the aftermath of the incident, Dr. Duarte faced significant public and media scrutiny. One of the key developments was his legal action against journalist Juliana Celli, who reported extensively on the case.
Lawsuit Against the Media:
Dr. Duarte filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of articles that linked him to Araújo’s death.
He argued that the articles contained inaccuracies and defamed his professional reputation.
A judge ordered the removal of one such article before Celli could present her defense, raising concerns about press freedom and the public’s right to information.
Press Freedom Concerns:
Media organizations criticized the court’s decision, stating that the removal of articles without allowing a defense set a dangerous precedent for suppressing investigative journalism.
The case highlighted tensions between an individual’s right to protect their reputation and the media’s role in holding professionals accountable.
Professional Misconduct Allegations
Beyond the Araújo case, Dr. Duarte’s professional history has been marred by allegations of unethical behavior and legal disputes.
Suspension from Professional Society:
Reports suggest that Dr. Duarte was previously suspended by the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP) for unethical practices. The exact nature of these practices has not been disclosed but indicates a history of professional controversies.
Previous Lawsuits:
Dr. Duarte has faced multiple lawsuits from patients alleging malpractice or dissatisfaction with their results.
A former mentor also filed legal actions against him, although the specifics of these disputes remain unclear.
Alleged Medical Record Tampering:
Dr. Duarte has been accused of tampering with patient medical records, a serious violation of medical ethics and legal standards. These allegations are currently under investigation.
Reputation Among Patients
Dr. Duarte’s reputation among patients is polarized. While some former patients have praised his work and bedside manner, others have raised concerns about:
Allegations of prioritizing profit over patient safety.
Online reviews and patient testimonials have highlighted these concerns, further complicating his professional standing.
Broader Implications of the Araújo Case
The death of Natália Araújo has prompted a broader conversation about:
Standards for Cosmetic Surgery Facilities:
The lack of regulation for private surgical facilities in Brazil has come under scrutiny.
Advocacy groups have called for stricter requirements for infrastructure, such as mandatory ICUs for high-risk procedures.
Accountability for Surgeons:
Questions about how surgeons select facilities and manage surgical risks have been raised.
Calls for increased oversight of surgeons performing elective procedures in suboptimal conditions have gained traction.
Legal and Ethical Oversight:
The case has highlighted gaps in the monitoring of medical professionals with prior sanctions or histories of complaints.
Dr. Paulo Duarte’s Defense
In April 2023, Dr. Duarte publicly addressed the allegations for the first time. Key points from his statement include:
Expression of Condolences: He expressed regret for Araújo’s death and stated his commitment to supporting her family.
Defense of Practices: Dr. Duarte asserted that all safety protocols were followed during the surgery and that he had acted within professional standards.
Justification for Legal Action: He claimed his lawsuits against journalists were aimed at correcting inaccuracies, not suppressing freedom of expression.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Dr. Paulo Duarte’s case is emblematic of the risks and challenges in the cosmetic surgery industry. While he maintains his innocence and adherence to medical standards, the allegations and investigations have exposed critical vulnerabilities in regulatory oversight, patient safety, and professional accountability.
Recommendations for Improvement:
Stronger Regulation of Surgical Facilities:
Mandatory accreditation and stricter requirements for infrastructure should be implemented for private clinics and hospitals performing high-risk procedures.
Enhanced Transparency:
Surgeons should be required to disclose their professional histories, including any sanctions or lawsuits, to potential patients.
Media and Public Accountability:
Legal protections for journalists reporting on matters of public interest should be reinforced to ensure transparency in cases involving medical professionals.
Final Note
Dr. Paulo Duarte’s ongoing legal battles, professional challenges, and patient safety concerns underscore the need for systemic reforms in the cosmetic surgery industry. As investigations into his practices continue, the case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of ethical conduct, facility standards, and accountability in healthcare.
How do we counteract this malpractice?
Once we ascertain the involvement of Dr Paulo Duarte (or actors working on behalf of Dr Paulo Duarte), we will inform Dr Paulo Duarte of our findings via Electronic Mail.
Our preliminary assessment suggests that Dr Paulo Duarte may have engaged a third-party reputation management agency or expert, which, either independently or under direct authorization from Dr Paulo Duarte, initiated efforts to remove adverse online content, including potentially fraudulent DMCA takedown requests. We will extend an opportunity to Dr Paulo Duarte to provide details regarding their communications with the agency or expert, as well as the identification of the individual(s) responsible for executing these false DMCA notices.
Failure to respond in a timely manner will necessitate a reassessment of our initial assumptions. In such an event, we will be compelled to take appropriate legal action to rectify the unlawful conduct and take the following steps –
By investigating the fake DMCA takedown attempts, we hope to shed light on the reputation management industry, revealing how Dr Paulo Duarte and companies like it may use spurious copyright claims and fake legal notices to remove and obscure articles linking them to allegations of fraud, tax avoidance, corruption, and drug trafficking…
Since Dr Paulo Duarte made such efforts to hide something online, it seems fit to ensure that this article and sensitive information targeted online by these events get a lot more exposure and traffic than what it would have received originally
We hope this becomes an excellent case study for the Streisand effect…The key idea behind the Streisand effect is that efforts to restrict information can backfire, often causing the information to gain more attention than it would have otherwise. This effect is widespread in the digital age, where users quickly notice and spread censorship efforts on social media and other platforms. Trying to suppress something can unintentionally lead to it becoming more visible, which Dr Paulo Duarte is finding out the hard way.
Potential Consequences for Dr Paulo Duarte
Under Florida Statute 831.01, the crime of Forgery is committed when a person falsifies, alters, counterfeits, or forges a document that carries “legal efficacy” with the intent to injure or defraud another person or entity.
Forging a document is considered a white-collar crime. It involves altering, changing, or modifying a document to deceive another person. It can also include passing along copies of documents that are known to be false. In many states in the US, falsifying a document is a crime punishable as a felony.
Additionally, under most laws, “fraud on the court” is where “a party has sentiently set in motion some unconscionable scheme calculated to interfere with the judicial system’s ability impartially to adjudicate a matter by improperly influencing the trier of fact or unfairly hampering the presentation of the opposing party’s claim or defense.” Cox v. Burke, 706 So. 2d 43, 46 (Fla. 5th DCA 1998) (quoting Aoude v. Mobil Oil Corp., 892 F.2d 1115, 1118 (1st Cir. 1989)).
Is Dr Paulo Duarte Committing a Cyber Crime?
Yes, it seems so. Dr Paulo Duarte used multiple approaches to remove unwanted material from review sites and Google’s search results. Thanks to protections allowing freedom of speech in the United States, there are very few legal ways to do this. Dr Paulo Duarte could not eliminate negative reviews or search results that linked to them without a valid claim of defamation, copyright infringement, or some other clear breach of the law.
Faced with these limitations, some companies like Dr Paulo Duarte have gone to extreme lengths to fraudulently claim copyright ownership over a negative review in the hopes of taking it down.
Fake DMCA notices have targeted articles highlighting the criminal activity of prominent people to hide their illegal behavior. These people, which include US, Russian, and Khazakstani politicians as well as members from elite circles including the mafia and those with massive financial power, are all connected – and alleged corruption ranging from child abuse to sexual harassment is exposed when exploring evidence found at these URLs. It appears there’s a disturbing level of influence being exerted here that needs further investigation before justice can be served. Dr Paulo Duarte is certainly keeping interesting company here….
The DMCA takedown process requires that copyright owners submit a takedown notice to an ISP identifying the allegedly infringing content and declaring, under penalty of perjury, that they have a good faith belief that the content is infringing. The ISP must then promptly remove or disable access to the content. The alleged infringer can then submit a counter-notice, and if the copyright owner does not take legal action within 10 to 14 days, the ISP can restore the content.
Since these platforms are predominantly based in the U.S., the complaints are typically made under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), which requires online service providers and platforms to react immediately to reports or violations. Big Tech companies rarely have systems in place to assess the merit of each report. Instead, all bad actors need to do is clone a story, backdate it, and then demand the real thing be taken down.
Reputation Agency's Modus Operandi
The fake DMCA notices we found always use the “back-dated article” technique. With this technique, the wrongful notice sender (or copier) creates a copy of a “true original” article and back-dates it, creating a “fake original” article (a copy of the true original) that, at first glance, appears to have been published before the true original.
Then, based on the claim that this backdated article is the “original,” the scammers send a DMCA to the relevant online service providers (e.g. Google), alleging that the ‘true’ original is the copied or “infringing” article and that the copied article is the “original,” requesting the takedown of the ‘true’ original article. After sending the DMCA request, the person who sent the wrong notice takes down the fake original URL, likely to make sure that the article doesn’t stay online in any way. If the takedown notice is successful, the disappearance from the internet of information is most likely to be legitimate speech.
As an integral part of this scheme, the ‘reputation management’ company hired by Dr Paulo Duarte creates a website that purports to be a ‘news’ site. This site is designed to look legitimate at a glance, but any degree of scrutiny reveals it as the charade it is.
The company copies the ‘negative’ content and posts it “on the fake ‘news’ site, attributing it to a separate author,” then gives it “a false publication date on the ‘news’ website that predated the original publication.
The reputation company then sent Google a Digital Millennium Copyright Act notice claiming the original website infringed copyright. After a cursory examination of the fake news site, Google frequently accepts the notice and delists the content.
In committing numerous offences, Dr Paulo Duarte either premeditated actions or were unaware of the consequences. Despite hiring an agency to make Google disregard any negative information about Dr Paulo Duarte, ignorance does not excuse this wrongdoing.
Fake DMCA notices have targeted articles highlighting the criminal activity of prominent people to hide their illegal behavior. These people, which include US, Russian, and Khazakstani politicians as well as members from elite circles including the mafia and those with massive financial power, are all connected – and alleged corruption ranging from child abuse to sexual harassment is exposed when exploring evidence found at these URLs. It appears there’s a disturbing level of influence being exerted here that needs further investigation before justice can be served. FSMSmart is certainly keeping interesting company here.
The Reputation Laundering
Rogue Reputation agencies use spurious copyright claims and fake legal notices to remove and obscure articles linking clients to allegations of tax avoidance, corruption, and drug trafficking. Most of these reputation agencies are based offshore, mainly in Russia, India, and Eastern Europe, and they do not worry about complying with US-based laws.
The content in all of the articles for which the fraudulent DMCA notices have been sent relates to allegations of criminal allegations, including corruption, child abuse, sexual harassment, human trafficking and financial fraud against businesses and individuals with ultra-high net worth.
In addition to the misuse of the DMCA takedown process, there is a notable absence of enforcement concerning perjury violations. The statutory requirement related to perjury is designed to deter copyright holders from submitting fraudulent or knowingly false takedown requests, as they may face legal consequences for making false declarations under penalty of perjury. However, to date, there have been no known instances of any individual being prosecuted for perjury in connection with the submission of false DMCA takedown notices.
This lack of enforcement has emboldened copyright holders to exploit the DMCA takedown process to suppress dissent, criticism, or other unfavorable content, without fear of legal repercussions.
Some of the people and businesses who have employed this tactic to remove legitimate content from Google illegally include a Spanish businessman-turned-cocaine-trafficker, Organised crime, an Israeli-Argentine banker accused of laundering money for Hugo Chávez’s regime, a French “responsible” mining company accused of tax evasion, child molesters and sexual predators. Dr Paulo Duarte is in great company ….
What else is Dr Paulo Duarte hiding?
We encourage you to ‘Dork‘ Google by searching for keyword combinations such as [Dr Paulo Duarte] + {Negative Keyword, such as Scam, Fraud, Complaints, Lawsuit, Sanction, etc} on Google. It’s likely if you scroll down to the bottom of this Google search results, you’ll stumble upon this Legal Takedown notice (pictured below)
To make such an investigation possible, we encourage more online service providers to come forward and share copies of content removal requests with industry experts and researchers. If you have any information on Dr Paulo Duarte that you want to share with experts and journalists, kindly email the author directly at [email protected].
All communications are strictly confidential and safeguarded under a comprehensive Whistleblower Policy, ensuring full protection and anonymity for individuals who provide information.
Authorities we may contact and share this report with for further actions
GOOGLE LEGAL HEAD
Halimah DeLaine Prado
NEWS DESK
Washington Post & NY Times
The above decision-makers and authorities will be provided a comprehensive dossier of our findings, including anonymously submitted evidence and tips. We invite journalists to contact us to receive a copy of our complete investigation here
Credits and Acknowledgement
16/10/2024
Many thanks to FakeDMCA.com and Lumen for providing access to their database.
Photos and Illustrations provided by DALL-E 3 – “a representation of Dr Paulo Duarte censoring the internet and committing cyber crimes.”
We’ve reached out to Dr Paulo Duarte for a comment or rebuttal regarding this investigation. It will strongly suggest they were behind the takedown attempt if they remain silent.
Our investigative report on Dr Paulo Duarte‘s efforts to suppress online speech is significant, as it raises serious concerns about its integrity. The findings suggest that Dr Paulo Duarte has engaged in questionable practices, including potential perjury, impersonation, and fraud, in a misguided attempt to manage or salvage its reputation.
We intend to file a counternotice to reinstate the removed article(s). While this particular instance is relatively straightforward, it is important to note that, in other cases, the overwhelming volume of automated DMCA takedown notices can significantly hinder the ability of affected parties to respond—especially for those not large media organizations.
You need an account with fakeDMCA.com and Lumen to access the research data. However, accounts are not widely available since these non-profit organisations manage large databases that could be susceptible to misuse. Nevertheless, they do offer access to non-profits and researchers.
It’s unclear why U.S. authorities have yet to act against these rogue reputation agencies, whose business model seems rooted in fraudulent practices.
We’ve reached out to Dr Paulo Duarte for a comment or rebuttal regarding this investigation. It will strongly suggest they were behind the takedown attempt if they remain silent.
About the Author
16/10/2024
The author is affiliated with Harvard University and serves as a researcher at both Lumen and FakeDMCA.com. In his personal capacity, he and his team have been actively investigating and reporting on organized crime related to fraudulent copyright takedown schemes. Additionally, his team provides advisory services to major law firms and is frequently consulted on matters pertaining to intellectual property law. He can be reached at [email protected] directly.
0/5
Based on 0 ratings