Brazilian senators tied to Banco Master and Vorcaro corruption probes

Senator Jaques Wagner admitted a close relationship with businessman Augusto Lima, former partner of Banco Master, but denied any illicit advantage. Wagner criticised the Federal Police operation that seized cash, foreign currency and a luxury apartment in Salvador, calling it a “patacoada”. The police are investigating a fraud and corruption scheme at Banco Master and allege Wagner received private‑jet rides, international tickets and other benefits.

Separately, driver Sidney Santos, who worked for banker Daniel Vorcaro, told reporters he wants distance from the case after the Federal Police traced his delivery of documents to Senator Ciro Nogueira (PP‑PI). The documents related to two environmental bills that advanced Vorcaro’s interests. Nogueira is suspected of receiving bribes to defend the banker’s agenda in Congress. Wagner recently stepped down from his role as government leader in the Senate after becoming a target of the same investigation, while Nogueira also faces scrutiny.

Both senators are under probe for alleged corruption involving private‑jet flights, cash payments and the manipulation of legislative proposals to benefit the businessmen.