Brazil police investigate senator Bolsonaro over ties to former banker

Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, presidential candidate of Brazil's Liberal Party, attends a campaign rally in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Aug. 22, 2026. (File photo: Xinhua)

Brazil's Federal Police are formally investigating Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, a presidential candidate, over alleged money laundering and corruption linked to his ties with former banker Daniel Vorcaro, according to documents released Friday by the Supreme Federal Court.

Vorcaro, former owner of the now-defunct Banco Master, is in custody as part of an investigation into what authorities describe as one of the largest financial fraud cases in Brazil's history.

Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has publicly acknowledged a recording in which he asked Vorcaro for the equivalent of 24 million U.S. dollars. He said the money was intended for a U.S.-based fund to finance "Dark Horse," a film about his father's political career.

According to investigation documents, at least 12.3 million dollars was transferred to the project.

The investigation, authorized in July, seeks to determine whether money laundering, illegal foreign exchange transactions, corruption or other offenses occurred in connection with the film's financing.

Police are examining the origin and destination of the funds, including whether part of the money may have been used for purposes unrelated to the film.

The case also involves Eduardo Bolsonaro, Flavio's brother and a former federal lawmaker who has been living in the United States.

Investigators are looking into whether any of the funds raised for the film were used to cover his expenses there.

Federal Police carried out searches in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Ceara and Brasilia, including at properties linked to people involved in the film's production.

The Supreme Federal Court has also opened a separate investigation into the possible misuse of public funds to finance the project.

Flavio Bolsonaro, a member of the Liberal Party, is among the leading candidates for the Oct. 4 presidential election.

The investigation does not amount to a formal criminal charge. Prosecutors will decide whether to file charges after the evidence-gathering stage is completed.