Home / Crime and Justice / Shaman's Million-Pound Deception Uncovered
Shaman's Million-Pound Deception Uncovered
3 Jan
Summary
- D'Souza posed as a shaman, defrauding rich clients of £1 million.
- Victims believed she could cure ailments and drive out demons.
- A BBC documentary will revisit the case, exploring loose ends.
Juliette D'Souza, a master con artist, operated for over a decade posing as a shaman and faith healer in affluent London neighborhoods. She preyed on vulnerable, wealthy clients, convincing them she could cure ailments and resolve personal issues through spiritual means, collecting approximately £1 million. Her victims included professionals such as a solicitor, an actor, and an osteopath.
D'Souza's elaborate scheme involved victims giving her money for 'sacrifices' to be hung on a sacred tree in the Amazon. In reality, the funds financed her extravagant lifestyle, including designer clothes and travel. She was found guilty in May 2014 on 23 counts of fraud and sentenced to ten years, with the judge calling it the worst confidence fraud case he had encountered.
The case has resurfaced due to D'Souza's eligibility for parole in 2019 and unconfirmed sightings in her former affluent neighborhood. A BBC documentary scheduled to air on January 4, 2026, aims to revisit her story and address lingering questions about her activities and potential return.
