STF Minister Cristiano Zanin Authorizes Probe of STJ Minister Moura Ribeiro over Alleged Decision‑Sale Scheme
Justice minister Cristiano Zanin of Brazil’s Supreme Court (STF) approved a Federal Police (PF) investigation into Superior Court (STJ) minister Paulo Dias de Moura Ribeiro for suspected involvement in a scheme that sold judicial decisions. The inquiry, part of Operation Sisamnes launched in November 2024, marks the first time an STJ magistrate has been directly targeted.
The PF report links Moura Ribeiro to lobbyist Andreson de Oliveira Gonçalves, the lawyer Aline Gonçalves de Sousa (wife of a federal judge), and businessman Luiz Estêvão, alleging financial transfers to a former STJ staffer and influence over at least ten cases. The investigation began after analysis of the cloud data from the cellphone of murdered lawyer Roberto Zampieri, which showed conversations about favorable rulings for Grupo OK, a company tied to Estêvão.
Authorities have sought to break bank‑secrecy for the minister, his relatives and associated officials, and to examine financial flows for possible illicit payments. Moura Ribeiro has denied knowledge of any investigation, while the PF says no conclusive evidence of his participation has yet been found.