Brazil Justice Orders Probe into Senator's Film Funding Request

Brazil's Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has sent a request for investigation to the court's presidency. The probe concerns alleged links between Senator Flávio Bolsonaro's solicitation of funds from a banker and the production of the film "Dark Horse."

The case landed on Moraes's desk after Federal Deputy Lindbergh Farias filed a request to investigate a potential connection. Farias alleged a link between the film's financing, alleged coercion of STF members by former federal deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro, and financial dealings between Flávio Bolsonaro and banker Daniel Vorcaro.

According to Farias, these elements are connected because Flávio Bolsonaro purportedly asked Vorcaro for R$134 million. This money was allegedly intended to support his brother, Eduardo Bolsonaro, during his self-imposed exile in the United States. During his exile, Eduardo Bolsonaro reportedly campaigned for sanctions against Brazil and STF members while his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, was on trial for attempting a coup.

Justice Moraes is the rapporteur for the criminal case that convicted Eduardo Bolsonaro for coercion. Due to the connection, Farias's action also fell under his purview. However, the Prosecutor-General's Office (PGR) suggested the case be transferred to Justice André Mendonça, who is handling an inquiry into irregularities at Banco Master. The PGR believes key elements of Farias's complaint fall under Mendonça's investigation.

Moraes, however, decided to separate the investigation request from his ongoing case. He has sent it to STF President Edson Fachin, who will determine whether the case remains with Moraes, is assigned to Mendonça, or is redistributed among other justices.

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O ministro Alexandre de Moraes, do Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF), determinou nesta segunda-feira, 22, o envio à Presidência da Corte de um pedido de investigação que relacionava a coação de membros do tribunal pelo ex-deputado federal Eduardo Bolsonaro com os recursos solicitados pelo senador e pré-candidato a presidente, Flávio Bolsonaro, ao banqueiro Daniel Vorcaro para bancar a produção do filme “Dark Horse”.