The plot of Robbery in São Paulo takes place in 2004 and begins with a visit from the president of the Canary Islands, Adán Martín, to the city for its 450th anniversary. The city was founded by the Jesuit priest José de Anchieta who also provided the first orthography of Tupí grammar, which is stolen at the start of the novel following the opening of an exhibition attended by Adán Martín and the president of the time Lula da Silva. The action then continues in São Paulo, Recife, Cape Verde and Tenerife. The international investigation team is made up of police from Brazil, the Vatican and Tenerife, and they must uncover the mystery of the robbery.