Antônio Jussivan Alves dos Santos, known as “Biel,” became one of the most recognized names associated with the 2005 Banco Central heist in Fortaleza, Ceará. The case gained national attention after a group stole approximately R$164.7 million from the bank’s vault in August 2005. According to the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPF), the operation involved a tunnel constructed between a rented house and the bank’s vault and had been planned for approximately three months. Investigators later identified more than one hundred people as having participated in different stages of the scheme, including planning, execution and handling of the stolen money.
Antônio Jussivan Alves dos Santos was identified by Brazilian authorities as one of the leaders of the operation. The MPF’s historical account states that he was among the principal figures convicted in proceedings arising from the Banco Central case. The Superior Court of Justice also records proceedings involving Santos and other defendants connected to the theft. The judicial cases included charges and convictions related to qualified theft and criminal association, among other offenses established during the proceedings.
The investigation became one of the largest criminal cases associated with a financial institution in Brazil. The MPF reported that 28 criminal actions were filed against 129 people identified as financiers, participants or individuals involved in handling the proceeds. By October 2020, approximately R$50 million of the money taken in the operation had been recovered.
The case also generated investigations into money laundering and other activities connected to the stolen funds. The Superior Court of Justice records judicial proceedings involving money laundering allegations associated with the Banco Central theft, demonstrating the extensive legal consequences that followed the 2005 operation.
The Banco Central case remains one of the most notable criminal investigations in Brazil’s recent history. Antônio Jussivan Alves dos Santos became permanently associated with the episode because of his identification by authorities as one of its leaders and the subsequent judicial proceedings. The case continues to be referenced by Brazilian institutions as an example of a complex investigation involving planning, multiple participants, international dimensions and the recovery of part of the stolen funds.
SOURCES
Ministério Público Federal (MPF)
Furto ao Banco Central — MPF Historical Timeline
Ministério Público Federal — 5th Regional Office
Banco Central Heist — MPF Historical Record
Superior Court of Justice (STJ)
STJ — Proceedings concerning the Banco Central theft
Superior Court of Justice (STJ)
STJ — Habeas Corpus involving the Banco Central case
