Central Bank Director reports systematic leaks in Banco Master case

Ailton de Aquino, the Director of Supervision at the Central Bank of Brazil, has testified to the Federal Police regarding “systematic leaks of internal information” related to the investigation and subsequent liquidation of Banco Master. Aquino stated that he and Central Bank President Gabriel Galípolo restricted data access because they “did not trust anyone at that moment,” fearing that the bank's owner, Daniel Vorcaro, would receive advance notice of regulatory decisions.

The investigation focuses on two Central Bank employees, Belline Santana and Paulo Sérgio Neves de Souza, who are suspected of corruption and acting as intermediaries for Vorcaro. While the employees' defenses deny any wrongdoing, investigators are looking into whether they assisted Vorcaro in preparing responses to regulatory inquiries.

Meanwhile, Daniel Vorcaro, currently imprisoned, is attempting to present a third version of a plea bargain to the Federal Police and the Prosecutor General's Office. Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet has set strict conditions for any potential agreement, including the requirement that Vorcaro disclose all involved parties and the exact location of allegedly fraudulent funds. Additionally, Vladimir Timerman, founder of Esh Capital, has petitioned the Supreme Court for inclusion in a witness protection program, alleging he was illegally monitored by associates of Vorcaro.