In a significant development within a high-profile Brazilian corruption investigation, Supreme Court Justice André Mendonça has ordered Raimundo Neto e Silva Nogueira Lima, the brother of Senator Ciro Nogueira, to wear an electronic ankle monitor. This measure is part of the ongoing 'Operação Compliance Zero,' a police operation probing allegations of corruption, criminal organization, and money laundering involving the senator and Banco Master.
The judicial decision imposes strict conditions on Raimundo Nogueira. Beyond the electronic monitoring, he is prohibited from contacting other individuals under investigation or witnesses in the case. He must surrender his passport to the Federal Police within 48 hours and is barred from leaving his city of residence without prior judicial authorization.
Federal Police investigators identify Raimundo as the administrator of CNLF Empreendimentos Imobiliários Ltda. Authorities allege this company served as a disguised mechanism to funnel financial benefits to Senator Ciro Nogueira. A particularly suspicious transaction cited involves CNLF's purchase of a 30% stake in Green Investimentos S.A. for R$1 million, despite the shares having a market value of approximately R$13 million. The court views this stark price discrepancy as a potential indicator of illegal financial transfers.
Justice Mendonça also ordered the immediate suspension of four companies linked to the investigation: CNLF Empreendimentos Imobiliários Ltda., BRGD S.A., Green Investimentos S.A., and the Green Energia Fundo de Investimento em Participações Multiestratégia. The judicial report states these entities were allegedly used to move and legitimize funds of criminal origin. Notably, CNLF reportedly has no registered employees and operates from the same address as another Nogueira family business.
The broader investigation suggests Senator Ciro Nogueira may have received financial advantages in exchange for favoring the interests of banker Daniel Bueno Vorcaro. One cited example is the senator's presentation of a parliamentary amendment that would directly benefit Banco Master. Investigators allege monthly payments to the senator could have reached R$500,000, and that he also utilized luxury properties, credit cards, and international trips paid for by the investigated group.
The 'Operação Compliance Zero' is now in its fifth phase. Alongside the measures against Raimundo Nogueira, the Federal Police executed a search warrant at an address belonging to Senator Ciro Nogueira in Brasília. Overall, the Supreme Court authorized one temporary arrest warrant and ten search and seizure warrants to be carried out across the states of Piauí, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and the Federal District.
The individual subject to the temporary arrest warrant is identified as Felipe Cançado Vorcaro, a cousin of banker Daniel Vorcaro. He was arrested in Minas Gerais. The judicial decision also authorized the freezing of assets, rights, and funds totaling R$18.85 million. Justice Mendonça stated these measures are necessary to halt money laundering activities and prevent the destruction of evidence.
Based on reporting from g1.