Moraes Authorizes Search Against Source of Reports on Minister Flávio Dino

Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes authorized search and seizure warrants against Raimundo Cutrim, a former secretary of the Maranhão government, and a lawyer named Diogo Diniz Lima. The operation follows an investigation by the Federal Police into reports published by blogger Luís Pablo regarding the alleged irregular use of official vehicles from the Maranhão Court of Justice by Minister Flávio Dino and his family. The Federal Police claim that Cutrim used his public office to access restricted systems to obtain sensitive information and images of the vehicles, which were then passed to the blogger. The operation was requested by the Federal Police and approved by the Prosecutor General's Office.

Investigators also identified a transfer of 100,000 reais from the lawyer to the blogger. The Federal Police suggest this payment indicates the blog may be a vehicle for paid political content. Luís Pablo has denied these allegations, stating the money was a loan from a friend that has since been repaid. Minister Dino has denied any irregular use of official vehicles, stating that a blinded car was provided via a cooperation agreement for security reasons and that he and his family have been victims of illegal monitoring.

Press associations, including ABERT, ANJ, and ANER, issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the decision. They argue that the operation violates the constitutional guarantee of source confidentiality and creates a dangerous precedent for press freedom. Legal experts cited in reports also warned that identifying a source through the seizure of a journalist's devices indirectly bypasses constitutional protections.

Outlets with a center-right lean framed the event as an attack on press freedom and a tool for political persecution, highlighting the personal and political rivalry between Dino and Cutrim. Center-left and center outlets focused more on the procedural details of the investigation, including the allegations of stalking and the misuse of public systems, while still noting the concerns raised by journalism entities.