Brazil police investigate Flávio Bolsonaro for corruption over film

Brazilian police are investigating presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro for alleged corruption, money laundering, and currency evasion linked to the financing of a film about his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro. The investigation, authorized in July by Supreme Court Justice André Mendonça, was only made public on September 11, less than a month before the October elections. Flávio Bolsonaro is currently statistically tied with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in polls for a likely runoff Source: larepublicaco, infobae.

The investigation

The probe centers on "Dark Horse," a biopic about Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence for attempting a coup Source: infobae, diariolibree. According to the judicial decision, police are investigating "the possible commission of the crimes of money laundering, currency evasion, corruption and other related crimes" by Senator Flávio Bolsonaro Source: clarin. Also under investigation are his brother Eduardo Bolsonaro and federal deputy Mario Frias Source: clarin.

The Vorcaro connection

Investigators are examining Flávio Bolsonaro's ties to banker Daniel Vorcaro, former owner of Banco Master, which collapsed in the largest bank fraud case in Brazilian history Source: larepublicaco. Vorcaro is currently imprisoned. The Intercept Brasil released audio messages in May in which Flávio Bolsonaro asks Vorcaro for money for the film, calling him "brother" Source: clarin. The agreed amount was $24 million, of which at least 61 million reais ($12 million) were reportedly paid, with funds deposited in U.S. accounts Source: clarin, infobae. Flávio Bolsonaro initially denied the financing but later admitted seeking private funding for a private project Source: clarin.

Political fallout

The investigation has shaken the campaign and deepened a crisis within the Supreme Court. Justice Mendonça, a former Bolsonaro justice minister, recently declassified private messages allegedly sent by Vorcaro to Justice Alexandre de Moraes, sparking internal conflict Source: larepublicaco. The Brazilian real weakened amid the uncertainty Source: larepublicaco. Flávio Bolsonaro has accused the Supreme Court and Lula's government of political interference Source: clarin, while calling for full transparency, stating he has "nothing to hide" Source: larepublicaco.