Brazilian national reportedly occupies empty $2.5 million Florida mansion

Brazilian national reportedly occupies empty $2.5 million Florida mansion

Published January 25, 2013
FoxNews.com

Squatting never looked so good.

A 23-year-old Brazilian national has reportedly moved into an empty $2.5 million Florida mansion, using an obscure state real estate law to stake his claim on the foreclosed Boca Raton waterfront property.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Andre Barbosa cannot be moved by police since no one saw him breaking into the 5-bedroom house, making it a civil matter. And representatives for the home’s true owner, Bank of America, said they are aware of the situation and are undergoing a legal process. But that’s not good enough for Barbosa’s wealthy neighbors.

"This is a very upsetting thing," neighbor Lyn Houston told the newspaper. "Last week, I went to the Bank of America and asked to see the person in charge of mortgages. I told them, 'I am prepared to buy this house.' They haven't even called me back."

Barbosa -- who refers to himself as "Loki Boy," presumably after the Norse god of mischief -- did not return calls. He posted a notice in the front window naming him as a "living beneficiary to the Divine Estate being superior of commerce and usury."

A spokeswoman for Bank of America said the company has sent a complaint and an eviction notice to a clerk in Palm Beach County.

"The bank is taking this situation seriously and we will work diligently to resolve this matter," said spokeswoman Jumana Bauwens.

Sunrise real estate lawyer Gary Singer said Barbosa is invoking a state law called "adverse possession," which allows someone to move into a property and claim the title — if they can stay there seven years. A signed copy of that note is also posted in the home's front window, the newspaper reports.

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