Brazil Governor Calls Police Operation Against Bolsonaro 'Suspicious,' Demands Action on Minister's Wife's Contract

Romeu Zema, a presidential hopeful and former governor of Minas Gerais, has publicly criticized a Federal Police operation targeting ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, labeling it "extremely suspicious." Zema asserted that the investigation should have instead focused on Viviane Barci de Moraes, the wife of Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes.

Zema's criticism stems from a R$129 million contract secured by Barci de Moraes' law firm with Banco Master. He suggested that Minister Moraes, due to his connection to the contract, should have recused himself from judging cases involving Bolsonaro. The contract, signed in January 2024, stipulated monthly payments of R$3.6 million over three years. Records indicate the firm received R$80.2 million from the bank in 2024 and 2025 before payments ceased due to the bank's liquidation.

The Federal Police operation against Bolsonaro involved a search of his residence for firearms. Minister Alexandre de Moraes authorized the search after Bolsonaro claimed to possess eight registered firearms, two of which the Army reported not having in its custody. Despite the search, no weapons were found at Bolsonaro's home. This action has drawn criticism from Bolsonaro's supporters.

Bolsonaro is currently under house arrest, a measure upheld by Minister Moraes. This decision followed an assessment by the Prosecutor General's Office that no serious offense had occurred, despite an earlier incident involving a pistol found with a member of Bolsonaro's security detail. Zema's comments add a layer of political commentary to the ongoing legal scrutiny faced by both Bolsonaro and figures associated with the judiciary.