Santander manager arrested for R$ 2 million embezzlement scheme

A bank manager and her partner have been arrested in Miguelópolis, São Paulo, on suspicion of embezzling approximately R$ 2.1 million from Santander clients between 2024 and 2026. The investigation targets the theft of funds from vulnerable individuals, primarily the elderly, through unauthorized withdrawals, fraudulent loans, and unapproved transfers.

Vanessa Gonçalves Miranda, a manager with 12 years of experience at the branch, is accused of using her position of trust to facilitate the scheme. Her partner, dentist Adilson Coelho de Paula, is also in custody for allegedly assisting in the movement and concealment of the illicit funds through his personal and business accounts. Authorities noted that the stolen money was often distributed to various accounts and used in online gambling platforms.

Miranda’s defense claims she suffers from gambling addiction, specifically to the “jogo do tigrinho” online casino, as well as depression and burnout syndrome. One victim, a 78-year-old woman, reportedly lost R$ 300,000. Santander has stated it is cooperating with the Civil Police and maintains that no customers will suffer financial loss due to its fraud prevention systems.