How the ‘King of Miles’ built an empire selling ghost tickets

The Civil Police Federal District (PCDF) and the State of Santa Catarina (PCSC) are investigating a series of fraud cases carried out by companies claiming to be experts in air mileage management and offering to pay with bank slips for up to 50% discounts on top of international travel packages. Just one family lost R$150,000 when purchasing a flight to Germany.

This criminal scheme by Gustavo Real Rabelo, known as “King Miles,” left dozens of consumers confused. The scam also involved the sale of airline tickets and accommodations around the world. The customer paid for the entire package, but the suspect never delivered what was promised. At least 10 cases were registered with the DF against the Mais Milhas Tourism Board, which is responsible for falsely advertising facilities.

The invoice scheme worked as follows. The customer sent the invoice to the scammer, including the supposed discount. Payment will be made within a few days. Initially, some bills were actually paid, but that was part of a strategy to create trust. After that, the blow became even bigger.

After gaining initial credit, the victim began sending invoices with higher amounts, using discounts obtained through miles, to help the scammer pay. That’s when the fraud happened. The bonds were never repaid, and consumers were forced to repay them to avoid penalties and repudiation.

After two successful transactions, the DF resident paid his bill in October 2025 using the services provided by Gustavo. The scammer claimed that the payment could take up to 10 business days. After 25 days, nothing was registered with the bank. Upon being charged, the suspect sent a payment statement, which upon verification was found to be false. The total loss to the victim was 5,400 reais.

See images of scammers and cars seized by police.

ghost trip

Many people were scammed not only on their bills but also when purchasing international tickets and packages. A family from São Paulo (four adults and two children) paid R$150,000 for their trip to Germany. What was contracted for was never actually published.

The fraud turned into Gustavo’s assets, including furniture and real estate. Moreover, the boy always liked to drive around in imported luxury cars.

In March 2024, a joint action in Santa Catarina targeted the movements of a company based in Garopaba (South Carolina) that is associated with Gustavo’s family. The investigation pointed to similar suspected fraud at the national level. During the operation, four search and seizure warrants were executed in Balneario Camboriu and Garopaba.

Police confiscated the following:

1 BMW 540i
1 BMW X5
1 land rover
Electronic documents and electronic devices

1.5 million reais fraud

A judicial block was placed on the company’s financial assets. According to the SC Fraud Bureau, the victims’ total losses exceeded R$1.5 million. The investigation detailed how the company operated through a website where customers copied the barcodes of their bills and discounts were already applied.

Mr. Gustavo and others associated with the company have already been the subject of previous investigations into bank fraud charges. Police in both states are now gathering evidence, tracing the flow of funds and working to formalize new charges.