Flávio Bolsonaro faces scrutiny over Dark Horse film funding and transparency

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro has been criticized for failing to personally provide a public accounting of the funding for the film Dark Horse, despite previous promises to do so. The controversy stems from reports that Bolsonaro sought R$ 134 million from Daniel Vorcaro, the owner of Banco Master, to fund a movie about his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro. Investigations by the Federal Police are underway to determine if funds intended for the film were used to cover the senator's personal expenses.

According to reports, payments were routed from a company linked to Vorcaro to Havengate, a Texas based fund controlled by Paulo Calixto. While Flávio Bolsonaro has claimed that the accounting has been completed, the details were provided by the production company, Go Up Entertainment, rather than the senator himself. A private audit submitted by the production company to the Civil Police of São Paulo concluded that the film cost approximately R$ 75.2 million and was funded by private investments. However, the report lacked specific details such as invoices, contracts, and a breakdown of expenses for cast and logistics.

Legal developments include a decision by Supreme Court Minister Flávio Dino to allow the Federal Police to access evidence from the São Paulo Civil Police regarding the production company. This evidence relates to an investigation into whether funds from a contract with the city of São Paulo were diverted to the film. Meanwhile, São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas stated that Flávio Bolsonaro has already provided the necessary explanations regarding his involvement with Vorcaro.