Brazilian Senator Jaques Wagner, a close ally of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has resigned as the government’s leader in the Senate. This decision comes amid a widening corruption investigation into allegations that Daniel Vorcaro, owner of the now-defunct Banco Master, used his money and influence to cultivate support among prominent politicians.

Corruption Probe

Wagner is the first member of Lula’s inner circle to be ensnared by the Banco Master investigation, which has touched figures across Brazil’s political spectrum. The investigation is creating a fresh political headache for the president as he seeks to defend his coalition during his bid for a fourth term in office.

Brazilian police searched multiple properties linked to the senator last week as part of an investigation into whether Banco Master executives may have provided Wagner and his family with bribes, including an apartment and millions of reais, in exchange for influence. Wagner has maintained his innocence and initially said he had no plans of stepping down.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.