This makes things a bit more complicated so only do this if you're prepared for a bit of a challenge. But it's well worth it. (not really)

This can be done in multi or single-player, though bots spoil the fun a bit by shouting him to the ground. He will get up eventually though. Unlike other civs, Chavez is not allowed to leave the building so don't worry about losing him forever; I've never seen him go lower than the second floor.

Begin the heist like normal, go through with the drug deal and put on your masks and pissoff the gangsters. Make sure to run up to the red door and trigger the "I found it!" soundfile.

Now Bain will tell you to go find Chavez. Do so, but don't shout at him, or tie him up, or anything. Just walk close enough that the yellow objective outline appears. (You can also just chill outside until someone's character automatically shouts "I've found Chavez!") You're never going to take the key from Chavez, which is why he'll have this outline and run around for the rest of the heist.

But now you've got to bypass the red door! Using your cat-burglar skills, jump along the windowsills outside the building to scale your way in through the window. Tromboncino does it at the 3-minute mark in this video:












Now proceed with the heist as normal! You did it! :D

Obviously if you do this you won't get Chavez as a hostage. He's super valuable because the cops consider him a gangster and won't free him, but if the need ever arises you can just chase him down and tie him up :>

For the rest of the heist Bain will repeatedly tell you to find Chavez and get the key. Nothing you thermal drill fans haven't endured before.


The red door will remain closed permanently since you never opened it. This makes getting into that room to reset the saws a bit annoying. Either leave someone in there permanently or get to know the back entrance that opens up once you first breach the room.