Brazil's Bank Master scandal draws senior politicians into probe
Brazilian Federal Police are investigating the collapse of Banco Master, focusing on alleged bribes and privileges received by prominent political figures. Senator Ciro Nogueira, president of the PP, is accused of receiving monthly payments of R$300,000‑R$500,000, private jet flights, luxury hotel stays and the use of high‑end properties linked to banker Daniel Vorarco. The probe also examines whether legislative initiatives championed by Nogueira were intended to benefit the bank.
Other politicians have been affected. Senator Jaques Wagner (PT) stepped down from his Senate leadership role, former Rio governor Cláudio Castro (PL) abandoned his Senate candidacy, and pre‑presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) saw his poll numbers fall after a request for R$134 million from Vorarco was disclosed. The investigation reached the Supreme Court, uncovering a R$130 million contract awarded to the law firm of Minister Alexandre de Moraes’ wife and a multimillion‑dollar deal involving a company linked to Minister Dias Toffoli. STF minister André Mendonça, the case’s rapporteur, rejected an alleged bribe offer from an attorney. Senior judge Gilmar Mendes publicly criticised the handling of the investigations, highlighting the breadth of the scandal across the legislative, executive and judicial branches.
The scandal, dubbed the "Master" case, continues to expand, with authorities probing the extent of financial influence on Brazil’s political institutions ahead of upcoming elections.