Driver charged fees after mistakenly receiving £20 million in bank error

A Brazilian driver who received £20 million (R$ 131.8 million BRL) due to a banking error in June 2023 immediately returned the funds but faced unexpected financial consequences. Antônio Pereira do Nascimento, a father of four and grandfather to 14 grandchildren, discovered the erroneous transfer and contacted his bank within hours.

The 61-year-old driver from Palmas, Tocantins, found his account balance had swelled to R$ 131.800.000 BRL on 15 June 2023. He promptly notified Banco Bradesco, which had initiated the mistaken transfer, and arranged to return the entire amount.

Unexpected financial burden

Despite his immediate cooperation, Pereira encountered unforeseen banking charges. His account was automatically upgraded to "VIP" status due to the substantial balance, resulting in increased maintenance fees. "The money wasn't mine. I returned it to you, and you put me in the most expensive tariff. I pay a fee of £36, now I have to pay £70? It doesn't work for me," Pereira told TV Anhanguera in 2023.

His legal representatives confirmed the account category change occurred but stated the maintenance fees were subsequently regularised. The driver nevertheless incurred various financial encumbrances during the seven hours the funds remained in his account.

Legal proceedings underway

In July 2024, Pereira filed a lawsuit at the 6th Civil Court of Palmas seeking 10% of the mistakenly transferred amount, exceeding £13 million. The case has progressed through initial stages with witnesses designated, though an instructional hearing date remains unscheduled.

Banco Bradesco declined to comment, citing the ongoing judicial process. Pereira's defence team confirmed no settlement offers have been made by the financial institution during the year-long legal proceedings.

Public attention and personal impact

The case attracted significant media attention, culminating in Pereira's appearance on Domingão com Luciano Huck in August 2023. During his television segment, he reflected on the surreal experience: "I've never seen that much money in my life and I never will, unless I win the lottery - and I don't play. So it's difficult."

Despite returning the fortune within hours, Pereira has waited over a year for resolution of his compensation claim. His legal team maintains the case is advancing within expected timeframes despite the prolonged process.