Brazil's PL chief Valdemar Costa Neto hit with asset freeze and postponed testimony

The Supreme Federal Court ordered the seizure of up to R$ 119 million in assets belonging to Valdemar Costa Neto, president of the Liberal Party (PL), citing multiple indications that he directed parliamentary amendments despite not holding elected office. The court also suspended payments of the alleged 21 amendments and demanded that the Chamber of Deputies hand over internal documents. The Federal Police, acting under Operation Transparência, cancelled the scheduled testimony of Costa Neto in Brasília, after his defence requested more time to review the case file. The investigation alleges that the party leader used Chamber staff to channel public funds in a scheme involving roughly R$ 119 million. The postponement delays a key step in probing the alleged misuse of amendment allocations, a matter that could affect the PL’s strategy ahead of the 2026 presidential race.