São Paulo – Justice Alexandre de Moraes, a member of Brazil’s Supreme Court, is confronting intense public pressure to resign after federal police documents linked him to Daniel Vorcão, the owner of the now‑shuttered Banco Master. The documents, released by fellow justice André Mendonça, show Vorcão repeatedly sought de Moraes’ advice and thanked the justice in private messages that police could not read.

Political backlash intensifies

Lawmakers, ministers, newspapers and legal analysts have condemned the revelations. Folha de S. Paulo called for de Moraes to step down, warning that his continued presence on the bench would further damage the court’s reputation. The newspaper also suggested impeachment by the Senate if he refuses to resign.

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, a candidate in the upcoming presidential race and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, accused de Moraes of committing multiple crimes, citing a $12 million payment he received from Vorcão to fund a biopic of his father. Other candidates have echoed the call for the justice’s departure.

Details of the alleged connection

The unsealed documents reveal that de Moraes reviewed a contract between Vorcão and his wife, Viviane Barci de Moraes, valued at 130 million Brazilian reais (about $26 million). Lawyers for de Moraes’ wife argue the review was simply to confirm there was no conflict of interest, noting that the justice has not ruled on any case involving Banco Master or Vorcão.

Justice André Mendonça, who was appointed by former President Jair Bolsonaro, and Chief Justice Luiz Edson Fachin have not commented on the substance of the allegations. The Supreme Court will need to vote on whether de Moraes can be formally investigated, a decision that will be overseen by Mendonça, who chairs the case.

Institutional response

Chief Justice Fachin emphasized the court’s duty to preserve its integrity and public trust, stating that appropriate procedures will be followed before any further action is announced.

While current government ministers have remained silent, former agriculture minister Carlos Fávaro, a noted voice for Brazil’s business community, urged de Moraes to either clarify the situation or resign.

The scandal emerges as Brazil heads toward October’s national elections, with several candidates already entangled in the controversy surrounding Vorcão and Banco Master.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.