STF Lifts Secrecy on Investigation Into Senator Jaques Wagner and Banco Master

Supreme Court Justice André Mendonça has lifted the secrecy of an investigation into Senator Jaques Wagner regarding his alleged involvement in a billion dollar fraud scheme linked to Banco Master. The investigation, part of the 9th phase of Operation Compliance Zero, examines whether Wagner acted as a political operator for the bank in exchange for undue advantages. In a radio interview, Wagner stated he is certain he will prove his innocence and is currently focused on his upcoming re-election campaign.

Federal Police reports indicate that Wagner and Augusto Lima, a former partner of Banco Master owner Daniel Vorcaro, maintained a close relationship characterized by 74 phone calls totaling over five hours. Investigators claim the pair deliberately used voice calls to avoid written records. The PF alleges that Wagner received benefits including a luxury apartment in Salvador valued at 2.5 million reais, trips to a location known as Ilha da Paixão, and various gifts. The investigation further suggests Wagner advocated for the Master Amendment in the Senate, which sought to increase the credit guarantee limit of the Fundo Garantidor de Créditos from 250 thousand to 1 million reais.

Additional evidence cited by the PF includes messages from Daniel Vorcaro requesting discretion regarding flights used to transport Wagner, with instructions to use unknown aircraft and avoid shutting down engines to prevent unnecessary conversation. Wagner has denied acting in favor of Banco Master and stated that the luxury apartment never became part of his assets.

Reporting on the event varied by political lean. Center left coverage focused on Wagner's assertion of innocence and the legal process of lifting secrecy. Center right coverage emphasized the specific nature of the evidence, such as the frequency of calls and the personal nature of the relationship between Wagner and Lima. Center coverage provided a detailed breakdown of the specific assets and political figures mentioned in the police reports.