Flávio Bolsonaro Denies Wrongdoing Amid Federal Investigation into Film Financing

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, a leading candidate for the Brazilian presidency, is under investigation by the Federal Police for alleged corruption, money laundering, and currency evasion. The probe focuses on the financing of 'Dark Horse,' a film about his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro. Investigators are examining whether funds from banker Daniel Vorcaro, the controller of Banco Master, were illegally channeled through accounts of people close to the Bolsonaro family. Messages from Vorcaro's phone suggest Flávio Bolsonaro urged the banker to expedite payments to settle debts with the film's producers. Vorcaro allegedly disbursed at least 61 million reais, or 12 million dollars, for the project.

Speaking in Manaus, Flávio Bolsonaro stated he is calm and maintains that the film received only private sponsorship with no personal financial benefit or quid pro quo. He argued that the timing of the investigation's revelation, which occurred three weeks before the election, is an attempt to destabilize his candidacy after he began leading in some polls. He also praised Supreme Court Minister André Mendonça for lifting the secrecy of parts of the Master case, calling for total transparency. Flávio Bolsonaro further called for a formal investigation into Minister Flávio Dino, accusing him of interfering in the electoral process.

Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, a political ally of Flávio Bolsonaro, also spoke on the matter. While he stated he does not believe the senator is involved in irregularities, he emphasized that transparency and the law apply to everyone, including Flávio Bolsonaro and members of the current government. The case has caused internal tension within the Supreme Court, as Minister Mendonça lifted the secrecy of certain procedures following a request from the court's president, Minister Edson Fachin.