Brazil's Liberal Party leader denies wrongdoing amid $22 million asset freeze

Valdemar Costa Neto, the national president of Brazil's Liberal Party (PL), has denied any wrongdoing related to parliamentary amendments he directed. The denial comes after a Supreme Court justice ordered the seizure of up to R$ 119 million (approximately $22 million USD) in his assets, citing suspicions of public fund diversion.

Federal Police investigations suggest Costa Neto allegedly used servers from the Chamber of Deputies to channel funds from the "secret budget," a system revealed in 2021. He defended the practice, stating that it is normal for party leaders to suggest amendment allocations due to requests from mayors within the party seeking resources. Costa Neto asserted that all amendments are legitimate and directed to municipalities, sometimes even those of other parties.

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I don't have this money, not even close, not even if I hit the Mega-Sena twice would I have this money.

Costa Neto vehemently criticized the asset freeze, claiming he does not have anywhere near the amount ordered. "I don't have this money, not even close, not even if I hit the Mega-Sena twice would I have this money," he stated in an interview. He also expressed hope that the presidents of the Chamber and Senate would take action regarding the case, emphasizing that while amendments should be properly allocated, the process of indicating them is standard political practice.

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This is normal in every political party, because the party president has more influence with the deputies.