Luca Bandeira, a 22-year-old Brazilian man, has pleaded guilty to charges related to a credit card fraud scheme, including money laundering, after he was caught with over $66,000 in criminal funds and equipment for making fake credit cards. Bandeira admitted to possessing the illicit funds, along with a machine designed to create counterfeit credit cards,and was involved in theft activities targeting local businesses between July 1 and July 10, 2024.
Prosecutors, at a sentencing hearing held recently, called for a prison sentence of at least three years, citing Bandeira’s involvement in using fake credit cards to withdraw cash from ATMs and making fraudulent purchases from local delivery services. The case first came to light when police noticed suspicious activity at HSBC ATMs. A search of his residence uncovered not only the criminal funds but also gift cards, HSBC receipts, and equipment used to make fraudulent cards by attaching bank card details.
Bandeira, who initially came to Bermuda on a three-month visit from Brazil, had planned to extend his stay by enrolling in a local school. However, prosecutors revealed that he became involved in the scheme after being referred to an individual who helped him access the criminal activities. His defense lawyer, Victoria Greening, explained that Bandeira resorted to fraud as a way to support himself when he found himself without means of sustaining his living costs. She also argued that he was in a “survival mode” throughout his life and had genuinely regretted his actions.
In addition to the criminal charges, the Crown also proposed that Bandeira forfeit the $66,000 in cash, the card-making equipment, and even a Rolex watch that had been seized during the investigation.
Bandeira apologized to the court, expressing regret for the consequences of his actions, particularly for the impact they had on his family. He explained how his daughter in Brazil was now living in similar circumstances due to his criminal activities. Despite the mitigating factors raised by his defense team, the judge, Puisne Judge Juan Wolffe, reserved his decision on the sentencing and adjourned the matter until Thursday.
The case highlights the serious consequences of credit card fraud, as well as the international efforts to crack down on financial crimes in Bermuda and beyond.
