A man whose ex-girlfriend’s decomposed body was found wrapped in bags and blankets at the bottom of a ravine has been seized by police.

Accused Luis Gustavo Lopes Silva, 28 – from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais state, Brazil – was arrested after trying to fake a crime scene at her home.

Silva and victim Monique Ferreira Costa, 21, had dated for three years but often had jealous rows, their family told local police.

Monique disappeared after travelling home with Silva after she had a therapy massage on Tuesday, 14th February.

Her decomposed and disfigured body was found under a motorway viaduct at the bottom of a ravine three days later (Friday, 17th February).

Her family could only identify her from her distinctive tattoos.

Car salesman SIlva was caught when neighbours saw him breaking into Monique’s apartment in Contagem with a locksmith a week later (Saturday, 25th February).

Silva was arrested for procedural fraud – modifying the evidence related to crime, including modifying the crime scene.

He was then jailed by the Civil Police, who opened a new murder investigation into Monique’s death.

A police spokesperson said: “The arrest in flagrante delicto of the main suspect in the murder of young Monique Ferreira da Costa, who had disappeared on 17th February, and whose body was found on the banks of the BR 040 highway, on 23rd February.

“According to the team from the Missing Person Reference Division/ DHPP, responsible for the investigations, the suspect broke into the victim’s apartment and collected several objects of interest for the investigations, which is why he was arrested in flagrante delicto for committing the crime of fraud.”

Polce have set another press conference for 27th February.

The investigation continues.