Brazil's Supreme Court ministers clash over Banco Master probe

Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes has publicly criticized colleague Justice André Mendonça's handling of the Banco Master investigation, alleging procedural improprieties such as "delation under pressure" and suggesting that Mendonça received an illegal "selective plea‑bargaining" offer from an attorney for Daniel Vorcaro. Mendes warned that the case risks being nullified if current practices continue.

Mendonça rejected the accusations, stating they are intended to discredit the probe into the largest financial fraud in Brazil's history. He emphasized that the investigation follows legal standards and that any alleged offers were refused. The internal split within the court is evident: Mendes is aligned with Justices Flávio Dino, Alexandre de Moraes and Cristino Zanin, while Mendonça is backed by Justices Luiz Fux, Nunes Marques, Cármen Lúcia and Edson Fachin, with Dias Toffoli remaining neutral.

In a televised appearance on Roda Viva, Mendes reiterated his criticism, comparing the Master case to the earlier Lava‑Jato operation and urging the court to prevent perceived pressure tactics. Several ministers, speaking off the record, indicated they believe Mendes seeks to overturn the investigation.

Separately, presidential candidate Romeu Zema, whose company received a tax benefit during his tenure as Minas Gerais governor, said he feels he has fulfilled his duty after being targeted by Mendes in a fake‑news inquiry, stating he is sleeping well despite the attacks.