Daniel Brandão removed from TCE-MA presidency by STF Minister

Supreme Federal Court (STF) Minister Flávio Dino has ordered the 180-day precautionary removal of Daniel Itapary Brandão from his position as president of the Maranhão State Court of Accounts (TCE-MA). Daniel Brandão is the nephew of Maranhão Governor Carlos Brandão.

The decision follows a Federal Police investigation into a complex criminal network involving corruption, the diversion of federal parliamentary amendments, and the 2022 murder of businessman João Bosco Sobrinho in São Luís. Investigators suggest the homicide may have been linked to disputes over illegal bribe payments related to public contracts.

In his ruling, Minister Dino noted that Brandão’s position could allow him to influence ongoing investigations or favor his uncle, whose accounts are overseen by the TCE-MA. The court order also prohibits Daniel Brandão from accessing the tribunal’s systems, contacting other investigated individuals, or communicating with Governor Carlos Brandão.

Following the removal, counselor Marcelo Tavares has reassumed the presidency of the TCE-MA to manage the institution administratively. While Daniel Brandão denies all allegations of wrongdoing, the investigation continues to examine potential obstruction of justice and the use of shell companies to hide illicit assets.