STF Faces Unprecedented Institutional Crisis Over Master Bank Scandal

The Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) is facing a severe institutional crisis following Federal Police investigations into the Master Bank. Evidence from the seized phone of former owner Daniel Vorcaro reveals a network of influence involving several STF ministers, members of Congress, and Central Bank officials. The investigation suggests that ministers received gifts, trips, and had family members hired by the bank; furthermore, some are accused of discussing cases of interest to Vorcaro in private meetings. Specifically, ministers Kassio Nunes Marques, Dias Toffoli, Alexandre de Moraes, André Mendonça, and Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet have been linked to this network. Minister André Mendonça has requested a plenary vote to investigate Minister Alexandre de Moraes, who is alleged to have been asked by Vorcaro to interfere in ongoing investigations. President of the Court Edson Fachin stated that he will announce measures after analyzing the facts and institutional procedures. The court must now decide if Mendonça's conduct invalidated the investigation and if Moraes and other ministers should be formally investigated. The crisis has intersected with the political climate surrounding President Lula's re-election efforts, as some members of the court and legislature are seen as forming a political alliance to support the government.