In a major development in the long-running investigation into Banco Master, Brazil's Federal Police launched the fifth phase of 'Operação Compliance Zero' this Thursday. The operation, authorized by the Supreme Federal Tribunal, directly targets Senator Ciro Nogueira, a powerful political figure and president of the Progressistas party.
Investigators allege that Senator Nogueira received bribes to provide favorable treatment to banker Daniel Vorcaro. As part of the operation, police officers executed a search warrant at the senator's residence in an upscale Brasília neighborhood. During the search, authorities seized his mobile phone and US$27,000 in cash.
The operation extended beyond the capital, with nine additional warrants carried out across São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Piauí, the senator's home state. In Teresina, police visited a motorcycle dealership owned by Nogueira, which also housed another company under investigation. This company is managed by the senator's brother, Raimundo Nogueira, who has been ordered to wear an electronic ankle monitor as he is considered to have provided formal and operational support to the alleged scheme.
Another key figure targeted was Bernardo Rodrigues de Oliveira Filho, an employee of Senator Nogueira. According to the Federal Police, Bernardo was involved in the operational side of payments, allegedly working to prevent the tracing of illicit funds.
The only arrest made during the operation was Felipe Cançado Vorcaro, a cousin of banker Daniel Vorcaro. He was apprehended in Nova Lima, in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, and his detention is valid for five days. Felipe has been under investigation since the second phase of the probe and is identified by police as the banker's financial operator.
The scope of the seizures was significant. Authorities confiscated ten luxury vehicles, jewelry, and watches from those under investigation. Furthermore, the judiciary authorized the freezing of R$18 million in assets.
The decision by Supreme Court Justice André Mendonça, the case's rapporteur, noted that the case file contains substantial evidence, including bank transfer records, travel logs, and electronic messages allegedly exchanged between members of the criminal organization. These elements point to possible corruption, money laundering, asset concealment, and ongoing criminal activity.
Senator Ciro Nogueira, who served as Chief of Staff under former President Jair Bolsonaro and is a leading figure in the congressional 'Centrão' bloc, was at home during the police action and has stated he will cooperate with the judiciary while denying any participation in illicit activities.
Based on reporting from g1.