Brazilian Justice Who Jailed Bolsonaro Faces Calls to Resign Over Banker Ties

Brazil's Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for an attempted coup, is now under intense scrutiny over alleged connections to a disgraced banker. Federal police documents, made public by a fellow justice, suggest that Daniel Vorcaro, owner of Banco Master, repeatedly sought and acted on advice from de Moraes. The banker also expressed gratitude in messages that investigators could not fully read, and referenced the alleged consultations in other communications.

The revelations have triggered sharp criticism from politicians, government ministers, newspapers, and legal experts. The Folha de S. Paulo daily urged de Moraes to resign, warning that his continued presence would bring dishonor to the court and suggesting impeachment if he refuses. Several lawmakers, including opposition candidate Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and a former ally of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, have been linked to the banker's dealings. Senator Bolsonaro, who admitted receiving at least $12 million from Vorcaro for a film project, accused de Moraes of committing crimes and said he should not remain on the bench.

The Supreme Court convened in Brasilia on Wednesday, but none of the justices addressed the matter during the session. Justice André Mendonca, who unsealed the documents, sat next to de Moraes without speaking. The documents also revealed that de Moraes reviewed a contract between Vorcaro and his wife, Viviane Barci de Moraes, worth 130 million Brazilian reais (about $26 million). Lawyers for de Moraes' wife said the justice checked the document to avoid any conflict of interest, and noted that he never ruled on cases involving Banco Master or Vorcaro. De Moraes has not commented publicly.

Chief Justice Luiz Edson Fachin said he would announce next steps in the coming days, emphasizing the need to preserve the court's integrity and public trust. The court must vote on whether to formally investigate de Moraes, with decisions likely led by Mendonca and Fachin. The scandal has added a volatile element to Brazil's political landscape ahead of October elections.