Senator Jaques Wagner targeted in PF’s Master case operation

Brazil’s Federal Police launched the ninth phase of Operation Compliance Zero, authorising searches and seizure orders against Senator Jaques Wagner, the government’s leader in the Senate, in connection with the Banco Master scandal. Searches were carried out in the Federal District, Bahia and São Paulo, resulting in the seizure of roughly US $55 000, €33 000 and cash totalling about R$ 470 000, as well as the discovery of a luxury apartment in Salvador valued at around R$ 2.5 million that investigators say was provided as a benefit by banker Daniel Vorcaro’s former partner Augusto Lima. The investigation alleges Wagner received other advantages such as private jet use and concert tickets, allegedly funneled through companies linked to his family. Wagner has denied any wrongdoing, stating he is not a defendant and that the money consists of unused official travel allowances. The Supreme Court minister André Mendonça approved the search warrants, emphasising they are investigative measures, not criminal charges. The operation has sparked political fallout: President Luiz Inácio Lula is reportedly considering temporarily removing Wagner from the Senate leadership, while opposing figures such as Senator Flávio Bolsonaro have used the case to attack the PT. The scandal is now a focal point in the lead‑up to Brazil’s October elections.