Brazil Senate President Alcolumbre Accused of $30 Million Bribe by Ex‑Governor Zema Over Banco Master Probe

Former Minas Gerais governor and presidential hopeful Romeu Zema claimed that Senate president Davi Alcolumbre received US$30 million from ex‑banker Daniel Vorcaro in exchange for blocking a mixed parliamentary commission (CPMI) to investigate the Banco Master scandal. Zema said the alleged payment, roughly R$155 million, explains Alcolumbre’s refusal to read a request that already had more than 280 signatures.

Alcolumbre issued a statement denying any receipt of money from Vorcaro, calling the reports “absolutely false” and saying he will pursue civil and criminal actions against those spreading the accusations. The Federal Police recently rejected a second plea‑bargaining proposal from Vorcaro, finding no new evidence to expand the investigation. Zema also referenced a separate R$129 million contract involving the wife of Supreme Court Justice Alexandre Moraes, urging further investigations and calling for accountability across the political establishment.