Born in Barreiro, Portugal, in 1970, Luís Miguel Militão Guerreiro had a troubled early life, marked by behavioral issues and a lack of direction. He initially worked as a plumber's assistant and later joined the Portuguese Navy, from which he was discharged in 1997. That same year, he married, but the relationship ended in divorce by 2001.

Facing financial difficulties and personal turmoil, Militão borrowed 500,000 escudos (approximately €2,500) from a friend named Tavares and fled to Brazil to avoid repayment. Arriving in São Paulo in February 2001, he eventually settled in Fortaleza. There, he attempted to start a business operating a beachside bar, which failed. He married a local woman named Maria, who became pregnant shortly after their union. Desperate for money and unwilling to work, Militão devised a plan to lure Portuguese businessmen to Brazil under the pretense of tourism and business opportunities.

On August 12, 2001, six Portuguese businessmen—António Correia Rodrigues, Vitor Manuel Martins, Joaquim Silva Mendes, Manuel Joaquim Barros, Joaquim Fernandes Martins, and Joaquim Manuel Pestana da Costa—arrived in Fortaleza at Militão's invitation. They were met at the airport by Militão and his accomplice, Manoel Cavalcante, who persuaded them to forgo their planned accommodations and instead visit the Vela Latina bar on Praia do Futuro. There, the businessmen were ambushed, restrained, and their credit cards were used to withdraw approximately R$46,000. The victims were then bludgeoned with wooden sticks and buried alive beneath the bar's kitchen floor.

The disappearance of the businessmen prompted an investigation, and their bodies were discovered on August 24, 2001. Militão was apprehended on August 23, 2001, in Barra do Corda, Maranhão, while attempting to flee to French Guiana.

On February 21, 2002, Militão was convicted and sentenced to 150 years in prison. His accomplices received sentences ranging from 120 to 162 years. Due to good behavior and participation in prison work programs, Militão became eligible for semi-open prison conditions and temporary releases. He is scheduled for full release in 2027.