Guido Mantega faces scrutiny over R$ 14 million consultancy payment

Former Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega has faced scrutiny regarding his consultancy firm, Pollaris, which received R$ 14 million from Banco Master. Investigations revealed that the firm's registered headquarters was a small, windowless room in Barueri, São Paulo, a city known for its lower tax rates. The office space was reportedly shared with another company involving different partners.

Mantega has stated that he works remotely and denied using the Barueri address specifically to reduce his tax burden, describing the city as a major hub for banks and service companies. However, legal experts noted that while establishing a business in a low-tax municipality is legal, companies must actually conduct administration and decision-making at that location to avoid being classified as a shell company or engaging in abusive tax planning.

Following the reports, Mantega changed the company's registered address. The payments from Banco Master have drawn attention due to previous links between Mantega and the bank's owner, Daniel Vorcaro, including Mantega's assistance in arranging a meeting between Vorcaro and President Lula in late 2024.