Brazil's Supreme Court allows probe into Bolsonaro film financing

Brazil's Supreme Court has greenlit a federal police investigation into the funding of an autobiographical film about former President Jair Bolsonaro, titled 'Dark Horse.' The probe, authorized by Justice André Mendonça, aims to uncover potential fraud in how the movie was financed.

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The judge André Mendonça, in charge of the case, which is under judicial secrecy, granted a request from the Federal Police and allowed the opening of the investigation with the endorsement of the Prosecutor's Office, according to sources from the high court.

Investigators are focusing on suspicions that the film received funds from Daniel Vorcaro, a banker currently imprisoned for fraud. Reports suggest Vorcaro had committed to paying $24 million for the production, with approximately $12 million disbursed between February and May 2025. The investigation will also explore whether public funds were involved.

Adding a layer of political intrigue, the investigation seeks to clarify alleged close ties between Vorcaro and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, Jair Bolsonaro's eldest son. Flávio Bolsonaro, a leading opposition candidate in the upcoming October presidential elections, has confirmed negotiating film sponsorship with Vorcaro, asserting the operation was legal. However, these alleged connections have reportedly weakened his candidacy.

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The authorities will now try to clarify whether the film 'Dark Horse,' based on Bolsonaro's life, was financed with resources from a banker imprisoned for fraud and if it received public funds.

Further lines of inquiry include whether funds from Vorcaro's Banco Master, which is undergoing liquidation, were used to cover expenses for Jair Bolsonaro's other son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, who resides in the U.S. The police also aim to determine if the film received budget allocations intended for pro-Bolsonaro congress members.

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After denying it, Flávio Bolsonaro confirmed that he negotiated the sponsorship of the film with Vorcaro, although he stressed that the operation was totally legal.