Brazil’s Central Bank Hunts $140M in Crypto Laundering Post-Hack – The Dirty Trail Goes Digital

Brazil’s financial watchdog just turned crypto detective—tracking a jaw-dropping $140M laundering operation after a major hack. Who said crime doesn’t pay? (Spoiler: It’s the taxpayers who’ll foot the bill.)

The Digital Heist That Sparked the Manhunt

When hackers hit, they didn’t just steal—they vanished into the crypto shadows. Now, Brazil’s central bank is dissecting blockchain trails like a bloodhound on a Bitcoin binge.

Laundering 101: Crypto Edition

From mixers to offshore exchanges, the suspects played hide-and-seek with dirty money. Pro tip: Crime 2.0 still leaves a paper trail—just ask the IRS.

Regulators vs. Anonymity: Round 47

Another day, another ‘decentralized’ dream colliding with cold, hard AML laws. But hey, at least the lawyers are getting rich.

Closing thought: If $140M can vanish this fast, maybe your bank’s ‘security fees’ are just a polite fiction.

In a cyber heist on June 30, hackers stole approximately $140 million (R$800 million) by breaching the reserve account of six Brazilian financial institutions through infrastructure provided by C&M software. The Central Bank of Brazil is actively working to recover the funds after discovering the offender. 

Central Bank’s Immediate Action Against the Crime

After discovering the theft and the attacker, the central bank immediately issued a notice for a temporary suspension of C&M Software. By Wednesday, the company resumed limited operations under supervision. 

The federal police have opened an investigation at the Cybercrime Repression Department in Brasilia, investigating stolen funds and preventing further laundering in the chain. Currently, the police are investigating a series of questions about those responsible for the hacker attack, and other beneficiaries of the scam are being investigated. 

Discovery of Brazil’s Cyber Theft of $140 Million 

Approximately $140 million was theft by hacking C&M software, the service provider that connects Brazil’s central bank to local banks and other financial institutions. At least $30 to $40 million of the stolen funds were converted into cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether. 

This conversation of fiat money into crypto was carried out via Latin American over-the-counter (OTC) brokers and crypto exchanges. Brazilian officers suspected a laundering route tied to Brazil’s PIX payments infrastructure (a system developed by the central bank to enable instant payments). 

The Grand Theft Stemming from Internal Compromise

Brazilian law enforcement confirmed that the breach stemmed from an internal compromise. João Nazareno Roque, a software employee at C&M, admitted to selling corporate private credentials to one of the attackers for R$5,000. 

The initial contact between the attacker and Roque occurred in March, when the suspect showed detailed knowledge of Roque’s job. Later, the employee was paid extra R$10,000 to execute the grand theft commands inside the system.  

Final Thought 

The incident of $140 million theft has triggered broad discussion on fintech cybersecurity, third-party provider risks, and regulatory oversight. While the case remains under investigation, Brazilian officials are targeting to end these cybercrimes altogether.

FAQs

Roughly $30 million to $40 million of the stolen funds were converted into cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether. This conversion was facilitated through Latin American over-the-counter (OTC) brokers and crypto exchanges, with suspicions of a laundering route tied to Brazil’s PIX instant payments infrastructure.

Major 2025 hacks include $400M from Coinbase, $220M from Cetus, and millions more from BSC, Phemex, and UPCX exploits.

Avoid unverified contracts, never share keys, and regularly review approvals to secure your wallet from phishing.