17.06.2026 21:40
A driver in Brazil, who had only 227 reais in his account, woke up one morning to find himself the owner of a multi-million dollar fortune on paper. Antônio Pereira do Nascimento, who returned the 131 million reais mistakenly deposited into his account without touching a cent, has now sued the bank for millions in compensation due to the victimization and treatment he experienced.
Driver Antonio Pereira do Nascimento, who had 131 million reais mistakenly deposited into his account in Brazil, filed a lawsuit against the bank for the hardship he suffered despite returning all the money. Nascimento is demanding a reward equivalent to 10% of the returned amount and moral damages.
Antonio Pereira do Nascimento, living in Palmas in the state of Tocantins, Brazil, experienced the shock of his life when he checked his mobile banking app in June 2023. The driver, who normally had only 227 reais in his account, saw his balance suddenly rise to 131 million 870 thousand reais.
RETURNED THE FORTUNE
Nascimento, a father of four and grandfather of 14, did not spend the money, which was worth millions of dollars, but instead contacted the bank to report the situation. The entire amount mistakenly deposited into his account was returned to its rightful owner shortly after.
Recounting his astonishment, Nascimento said, 'I have never seen such money in my life. This would only be possible if I won the lottery, but that wouldn't happen either because I don't even play the lottery.'
CLAIMED LIFE BECAME DIFFICULT
Nascimento alleged that he did not receive the recognition he expected after returning the money. The driver stated that after the incident became known, many people came to his home, and he also claimed that bank managers exerted pressure on him.
Claiming that the bank began deducting a monthly operating fee of 70 reais from his account, Nascimento reacted, saying, 'I contacted the bank to return money that did not belong to me.'
BECAME A TOPIC IN BRAZIL
After the incident was featured on one of the country's popular programs, Nascimento's story resonated widely across the nation.
SEEKING 13 MILLION REAIS REWARD
In July 2024, Nascimento filed a lawsuit against Bradesco Bank through his lawyers. Based on the 'return of found property' provisions in the Brazilian Civil Code, the driver demanded a reward of 13 million 187 thousand reais (approximately 120 million TL), equivalent to 10% of the returned amount.
He also sought 150 thousand reais in moral damages due to the attitude of bank managers and the hardship he allegedly suffered.
LAWSUIT COULD SET A PRECEDENT
The case, closely followed in Brazilian legal circles, is seen as potentially setting a precedent regarding whether traditional 'found property' provisions can be applied to mistaken money transfers in digital banking systems.
CRITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN COURT
In the case heard at the 6th Civil Court of the Tocantins Court of Justice, Judge Lauro Augusto Moreira Maia ruled that there was no need to hear witnesses and took a step toward deciding the case based on existing documents.
Nascimento's lawyers, however, appealed this decision, requesting that witnesses be heard. The case file continues to be debated in legal circles while awaiting the court's response to the appeal.