Brazil's former BRB chief Paulo Henrique Costa's plea deal rejected by prosecutors

The Prosecutor General's Office (PGR) rejected the plea‑bargaining proposal submitted by Paulo Henrique Costa, former president of Banco de Brasília (BRB), in the fraud investigation involving the Master Bank and a proposed acquisition by BRB. The PGR also dismissed two separate plea offers from businessman Daniel Vorcaro. Costa has been detained since April in the Papudinha prison complex and faces accusations of receiving more than R$140 million in luxury real‑estate payments as bribes.

Costa's defense team said it was surprised by the rejection, noting that Costa has not been formally interviewed by investigators. The lawyers announced they will seek clarification of the PGR's decision and have filed a request with the Supreme Federal Court for provisional release, arguing that Costa does not obstruct the investigation. The case adds to the financial strain on BRB, which has yet to publish its March balance sheet.