Brazil’s Central Bank Hacked—$40M In Crypto Washed In Aftermath

Christian Encila

5 days ago

3 mins read

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Bitcoin is again in the spotlight as hackers hogged the headlines following a June 30 attack on C&M Software. The breach sent shockwaves through Brazil’s banking system. Hackers slipped into the company that links smaller banks and fintechs to the Central Bank’s PIX platform.

In about two and a half hours, they moved roughly 800 million reais—almost $148 million—from reserve accounts at six institutions.

One bank, BMP, watched $73.8 million vanish before spotting the fraud. It later recovered about $29.5 million when alarms finally sounded.

$140M HACK in Brazil – Insider Sold Access for Just $2.7K?!

ZachXBT reports a $140M breach in Brazil, where an insider allegedly sold system access for only $2.7K. Around $30–40M was funneled into crypto via LatAm OTC desks.

One of the biggest insider leaks in recent memory?… pic.twitter.com/ehMqjuQGCi

— Crypto Patel (@CryptoPatel) July 4, 2025

Hack On Key Payment Node

According to Brazilian authorities, the break‑in began when an IT worker at C&M sold his login details for the equivalent of $2,770. Based on reports, he then helped build the system that let attackers pull funds.

That inside help turned a simple login into a major hole in the PIX network, which handles instant payments across Brazil.

Total crypto market cap at $3.32 trillion on the daily chart: TradingView

After stealing the credentials, the hackers launched coordinated transfers. They grabbed money from six reserve accounts without tripping any alerts for nearly 150 minutes. BMP’s CEO, Carlos Benitez, said the breach only surfaced when his team spotted odd transactions late on June 30.

Bitcoin Used As Exit Route

Investigators quickly noticed at least $40 million flowing into Bitcoin, Ethereum and various stablecoins. They traced large sums moving through Latin American over‑the‑counter desks and crypto exchanges. This shift underscores how digital coins can become a convenient escape hatch when traditional firewalls fail.

Stablecoins played a big role. Their constant value makes them a favorite for criminal networks looking to dodge swings in price. The Financial Action Task Force recently warned that stablecoins pose growing money‑laundering risks without clear global rules.

Bitcoin: Law Enforcement Moves In

Within days, courts froze dozens of accounts thought to hold stolen funds. Authorities say they’ve secured about $50 million so far. Still, a large chunk remains unaccounted for, drifting somewhere on blockchains.

Steps Taken To Recover Funds

Based on reports, the Central Bank cut back C&M’s access to vital systems while officials scrambled to plug the leak. João Nazareno Roque, the accused insider, was arrested on July 3 and remains in custody. No retail customers lost a cent, since only institutional reserves were targeted.

This breach shows how one weak link can bring down a big network. Brazil will need tighter checks on insider access, faster fraud detectors and stronger oversight of crypto platforms.

Featured image from Cyber Defense Magazine, chart from TradingView

Christian Encila

They say journalists never truly clock out. But for Christian, that's not just a metaphor, it's a lifestyle. By day, he navigates the ever-shifting tides of the cryptocurrency market, wielding words like a seasoned editor and crafting articles that decipher the jargon for the masses. When the PC goes on hibernate mode, however, his pursuits take a more mechanical (and sometimes philosophical) turn.

Christian's journey with the written word began long before the age of Bitcoin. In the hallowed halls of academia, he honed his craft as a feature writer for his college paper. This early love for storytelling paved the way for a successful stint as an editor at a data engineering firm, where his first-month essay win funded a months-long supply of doggie and kitty treats – a testament to his dedication to his furry companions (more on that later).

Christian then roamed the world of journalism, working at newspapers in Canada and even South Korea. He finally settled down at a local news giant in his hometown in the Philippines for a decade, becoming a total news junkie. But then, something new caught his eye: cryptocurrency. It was like a treasure hunt mixed with storytelling - right up his alley!

So, he landed a killer gig at NewsBTC, where he's one of the go-to guys for all things crypto. He breaks down this confusing stuff into bite-sized pieces, making it easy for anyone to understand (he salutes his management team for teaching him this skill).

Think Christian's all work and no play? Not a chance! When he's not at his computer, you'll find him indulging his passion for motorbikes. A true gearhead, Christian loves tinkering with his bike and savoring the joy of the open road on his 320-cc Yamaha R3. Once a speed demon who hit 120mph (a feat he vowed never to repeat), he now prefers leisurely rides along the coast, enjoying the wind in his thinning hair.

Speaking of chill, Christian's got a crew of furry friends waiting for him at home. Two cats and a dog. He swears cats are way smarter than dogs (sorry, Grizzly), but he adores them all anyway. Apparently, watching his pets just chillin’ helps him analyze and write meticulously formatted articles even better.

Here's the thing about this guy: He works a lot, but he keeps himself fueled by enough coffee to make it through the day - and some seriously delicious (Filipino) food. He says a delectable meal is the secret ingredient to a killer article. And after a long day of crypto crusading, he unwinds with some rum (mixed with milk) while watching slapstick movies.

Looking ahead, Christian sees a bright future with NewsBTC. He says he sees himself privileged to be part of an awesome organization, sharing his expertise and passion with a community he values, and fellow editors - and bosses - he deeply respects.

So, the next time you tread into the world of cryptocurrency, remember the man behind the words – the crypto crusader, the grease monkey, and the feline philosopher, all rolled into one.

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