Dino authorizes Federal Police to access São Paulo Civil Police evidence on 'Dark Horse' film producer

Brazil's Federal Police are set to scrutinize evidence gathered by the São Paulo Civil Police regarding Go Up Entertainment, the company behind the film 'Dark Horse.' This film, which focuses on the life of former President Jair Bolsonaro, is now at the center of a federal investigation into alleged financial impropriety. Supreme Federal Court Justice Flávio Dino has approved the transfer of evidence, bolstering the federal probe.

The investigation centers on a municipal contract valued at R$ 108 million, originally designated for providing free Wi-Fi to low-income communities in São Paulo. Civil Police initiated an inquiry in June, conducting searches at locations associated with Go Up Entertainment and a municipal secretariat. The core suspicion is that these funds were improperly diverted to finance the production of 'Dark Horse.' The contract was between the administration of Mayor Ricardo Nunes and the ICB (Instituto Conhecer Brasil), owned by Karina Ferreira da Gama, who also heads Go Up Entertainment.

Karina Ferreira da Gama and her representatives have not responded to inquiries about the matter. The Federal Police requested access to all materials collected during the Civil Police operation to aid their investigation into the allocation of parliamentary funds towards the film. Justice Dino granted this request on Friday.

The film 'Dark Horse' has become entangled in political controversy, particularly affecting Senator Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential aspirations. This stems from leaked audio recordings where he reportedly solicited R$ 61 million from former banker Daniel Vorcaro, owner of Banco Master, to complete the movie. The parliamentary funds under scrutiny were allegedly provided by several PL party deputies, including Mário Frias, Bia Kicis, and Marcos Pollon.

Deputies involved have denied any link between their allocated funds and the film's production. Mário Frias stated the funds were for social projects. Marcos Pollon's office clarified his amendment was redirected to a cancer charity, and Bia Kicis maintained her amendment supported a cultural and educational initiative. Meanwhile, Vorcaro's financial dealings and communications with Flávio Bolsonaro related to the film are subject to a separate investigation led by Justice André Mendonça.