Federal prosecutors have charged former Santander Bank employee Carlos Bras, of East Providence, with bank fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft after investigators say he stole $126,000 from an elderly customer.
According to court filings, Bras worked at the Santander branch in Seekonk in 2023 and had access to customer banking information. Prosecutors allege he targeted a 78-year-old dementia patient, changing the victim’s PIN, creating a fraudulent online banking profile, and ordering a new debit card and checks—sent directly to Bras’ home.
Investigators say that between April and July 2023, Bras transferred tens of thousands of dollars from the victim’s account into his wife’s account, purchased a $16,000 Kia, spent thousands at local retailers, and wired large sums to accounts in Portugal. Authorities claim these wire transfers were executed using Bras’ employee credentials.
When questioned by a Santander investigator, Bras allegedly claimed the victim was present during the transactions; however, surveillance footage from the branch refuted this.
Santander Bank reported the suspected fraud to Seekonk police in August 2023. Federal authorities later filed charges in connection with the case.
Public records also show Bras faced unrelated charges in 2024, though those were later resolved through a plea agreement.
