Former Lava Jato Judge Loses Position Over Champagne Theft

The Special Administrative Court of the Regional Federal Court of the 4th Region (TRF-4) has dismissed former Lava Jato judge Eduardo Appio from his position without salary. The decision, made by a majority vote of 14 to two, stems from accusations that Appio stole two bottles of French Moët&Chandon champagne, valued at R$400 each, from a supermarket in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, in October of last year.

Appio, who served 32 years in public service without a single day of leave, declared his innocence following the judgment. "The decision is unjust and disproportionate. I have faith in God and in the institutions," he stated. The court's decision will be sent to the National Council of Justice (CNJ) for review, a mandatory step for such disciplinary actions against magistrates.

Appio had a brief tenure as the head of the 13th Federal Criminal Court in Curitiba, the origin of the now-defunct Operation Lava Jato. He notably succeeded former judge Sérgio Moro and had challenged Moro by revealing alleged irregularities in the investigation that exposed a vast corruption scheme involving construction companies and Petrobras between 2003 and 2014.

During his time overseeing remaining Lava Jato cases, Appio also clashed with former prosecutor Deltan Dalagnoll. The TRF-4's Special Administrative Court, composed of 16 judges who handle disciplinary matters, made the decision. Appio has been on leave from his duties for eight months and was receiving his subsidies, excluding additional benefits. His defense had raised concerns about the impartiality of some judges involved in the process.

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São 32 anos de dedicação ao serviço público honesto, sem um único dia de licença. A decisão é injusta e desproporcional. Tenho fé em Deus e nas instituições.