Brazilian political figures face corruption and investment scandal allegations

In Mato Grosso, former Juara mayor Priminho Riva has alleged that Senator Wellington Fagundes demanded a 20% kickback on federal amendments to release funds. Riva claimed that while he previously refused, he felt compelled to pay the “taxa de retorno” to access emergency funds necessary for constructing bridges. He stated that payments were directed to the bank account of one of the senator's aides rather than to the senator directly.

In Alagoas, the Banco Master scandal became a central issue during a televised gubernatorial debate between candidates Renan Filho and JHC. Renan Filho accused JHC of responsibility for the Maceió Social Security Institute (Iprev) investing R$ 97 million in Banco Master, an institution currently under Federal Police investigation. The investigation involves the freezing of assets to ensure reimbursement, including the assets of Maceió's municipal finance secretary, who served on the Iprev board during the investments.