Senator Jaques Wagner booed in Salvador as federal probe ties him to Banco Master scandal

Senator Jaques Wagner (PT‑BA), former leader of the government in Brazil’s Senate, was met with boos and protest signs reading “Jaques Master” and “Jaques do Master” during the Dois de Julho parade in Salvador on 2 July. The demonstrators referenced the ongoing federal investigation, Operation Compliance Zero, launched by the Polícia Federal into a multibillion‑real‑estate fraud scheme at Banco Master.

The probe alleges Wagner received a luxury apartment valued at roughly R$ 2.45 million and other benefits from businessman Augusto Lima in exchange for advancing the bank’s interests in Congress. Wagner stepped down from his Senate leadership role after Federal Police searches of his properties uncovered cash and led to the seizure of assets totaling about R$ 482 thousand. The investigation has also resulted in the arrest of former Banco Master executives and the blocking of over R$ 5.7 billion in assets. Wagner denies any wrongdoing. The incident occurred as other PT figures, including Bahia Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues and ex‑minister Rui Costa, attended the parade.