Brazilian Federal Police Find List of Politicians and Values in Senator Ciro Nogueira's Home

The Brazilian Federal Police found a handwritten list containing names of federal deputies and probable monetary values during a search and seizure operation at the home of Senator Ciro Nogueira. The document, titled "Câmara," was discovered in the senator's barbecue grill during the fifth phase of Operation Compliance Zero on May 7. According to the police, a staff member stated that Nogueira had given her the paper to be burned because it was an old document without use, but she failed to do so in time.

The list includes names such as "Arthur," "Hugo," "Elmar," "Luizinho," and "Adolfo." The Federal Police believe these refer to former House President Arthur Lira, current House President Hugo Motta, and deputies Elmar Nascimento, Doutor Luizinho, and Adolfo Viana. One report specifies that Arthur Lira was listed next to the number 40, while the others were listed next to the number 10. The document also contained larger sums, specifically 8,750,000.00 and 2,187,500, though the police noted these figures lack clarification.

Senator Nogueira is under investigation for allegedly receiving undue advantages from Daniel Vorcaro of Banco Master, including monthly payments and luxury services, in exchange for favoring the bank's interests in Congress. Investigators suspect Nogueira proposed a constitutional amendment to increase the Credit Guarantee Fund coverage to prevent the bank from collapsing. Police also reported signs of a high economic standard at the residence, including expensive wines, whiskies, and designer bags, as well as empty suitcases with third party labels that raised suspicions regarding the transport of values.

Responses from the mentioned politicians varied. Arthur Lira's office stated he is unaware of the notes. Hugo Motta called the association of his name to any illicit act "absurd," citing the apocryphal nature of the paper. Elmar Nascimento denied the numbers represented values and questioned the credibility of the Federal Police. Nogueira's defense has denied any participation in illegal activities and described the investigation as an attempt to stain his honor.