Brazilian national Joao Batista Cunha De Araujo, accused of performing unlicensed cosmetic procedures in Miami, disappeared shortly before his scheduled trial, authorities say. His disappearance prompted a new arrest warrant and an authorisation for extradition, while raising questions about how he may have left the United States after surrendering his passport.

Araujo faces 14 charges, including 13 felonies, relating to alleged theft, fraud and practising medicine without credentials; he has pleaded not guilty. Police say an ankle-monitor tamper alert was received three days before trial, and officers could not find him or the device at his last known address. Court records say Florida health officials found neither Araujo nor his wife and co-defendant held a state medical licence, and at least one alleged patient reported serious complications after treatment.