# STF internal conflict over Banco Master investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/stf-internal-conflict-over-banco-master-investigation
> Updated: 2026-09-16T19:20:05.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

The Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) is facing internal scrutiny regarding investigations into Banco Master and suspected fraud within the National Institute of Social Security (INSS). STF President Edson Fachin ordered the transfer of these cases from Minister André Mendonça to his office for review, suspending all monocratic decisions during the analysis. Concurrently, the Prosecutor General's Office (PGR) requested clarification on whether all financial intelligence reports and data related to banker Daniel Vorcaro were properly disclosed to the Court.

The situation escalated into a personal conflict between STF ministers Gilmar Mendes and Nunes Marques. Following the discovery of WhatsApp messages on Daniel Vorcaro’s phone, Mendes accused Marques and Luiz Fux of being compromised in the Banco Master proceedings, suggesting they should ‘assume they are screwed’ and recuse themselves. The dispute, which included criticisms of the ministers' families, led Marques to block Mendes on the messaging app. Following reports linking the sons of both ministers to the investigation, Nunes Marques declared himself impeded from a trial related to the case.

## Claims

- Gilmar Mendes demanded that Nunes Marques and Luiz Fux open their bank accounts and recuse themselves from Banco Master-related cases. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Nunes Marques stated he has been accounting for his activities as a judge for 15 years and is willing to open his accounts. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Nunes Marques blocked Gilmar Mendes on a messaging application following their argument. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Messages were discovered on the phone of former banker Daniel Vorcaro. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Kevin Marques, son of Nunes Marques, was linked to a R$ 500,000 payment in records found on Vorcaro's phone. (single source)
- Nunes Marques declared himself impeded in a trial regarding the Banco Master case. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-16: STF Ministers Gilmar Mendes and Nunes Marques clash over Banco Master investigation

STF ministers Gilmar Mendes and Nunes Marques engaged in a heated WhatsApp dispute over Banco Master-related cases, leading to Mendes being blocked and Nunes Marques declaring himself impeded.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stf-ministers-gilmar-mendes-and-nunes-marques-clash-over-banco-master-investigation

### 2026-09-14: STF President Edson Fachin reviews Banco Master and INSS fraud cases

STF President Edson Fachin has taken control of files regarding Banco Master and INSS fraud cases, while the PGR seeks clarification on whether all investigative data was properly shared with the Court.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stf-president-edson-fachin-reviews-banco-master-and-inss-fraud-cases

---
Cite as: STF internal conflict over Banco Master investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/stf-internal-conflict-over-banco-master-investigation